129 Letter from Estrella Díaz Sánchez

Dear brilliant ladies,

My academic and research career has been guided by a series of fundamental principles that, I believe, should be transmitted from an early age to spread the value of science. In general, 10 basic principles to achieve successful women researchers in tourism.

Principle 1. Creation of admiration for the transmitters of scientific disciplines with an important role of mentors. I consider that one of the main privileges that the Academia transmits to us is to be able to develop an admiration for fellow researchers. I believe that it is very important for other researchers to have the ability to learn both from their own experience and of other peers.

Principle 2. Collaboration and creation of synergies. Reaching further as a team than can be achieved individually. To this end, I firmly believe that collaboration and synergy are needed between researchers from different fields, bodies, and national and international institutions.

Principle 3. Multidisciplinary and diversity aspects in the studies developed. The multidisciplinary aspect and diversity are central concepts in research. It is important to guide other people, to have synergy between different researchers and areas as well as to be able to work as a team. It creates bridges of collaboration between academics and researchers. I have performed roles in management, research, and teaching for more than sixteen years, so I will endeavor to transmit my experience to the young women academics in tourism. This is an important contribution I hope you incorporate to the Academia.

Principle 4. Promotion of professional scientific careers with an important role of scientific outreach and dissemination. The diverse outreaching activities, community involvement, investment in research, and development are essential. The promotion of professional scientific careers (in schools, high schools, and universities) enables potential researchers to design, create, develop, and undertake new and innovative projects, to work both as a team and independently and to seek solutions to the major problems facing society in all areas. This development of the scientific career is especially difficult for women within the context of tourism.

Principle 5. Training and critical thinking, being continuous learning the driving force for progress in society. It is very important to improve the scientific education of the women to foster critical thinking. The creation and popularization of scientific culture can be done through different formative actions, communication, and diffusion.

Principle 6. Motivation and passion for the work. In the research field there are no hours of work, but hours of dedication to a field that you are passionate about.

Principle 7. Intensification of leadership activities, which will lead to independence as a researcher. The managerial activities, teaching, and research experience, focused on the international field, act as a reference for future generations of women who want to lead projects and research within the field of tourism.

Principle 8. Generate self-confidence and set personal goals or challenges. It is important to believe in ourselves and in people. It is necessary to work with constancy and perseverance and to have confidence in ourselves. Moreover, it is important to be demanding in the work carried out, to try to create successful research. On the other hand, it is crucial to step out of your comfort zone and set yourself challenges and goals.

Principle 9. Determination, discipline, work, and dedication are the keys to success. Future women researchers in tourism should know that the research career must always be mediated by determination, discipline, work, and dedication. Satisfaction follows effort and tranquility follows conquest. Research is an act of generosity. The aim of the research is not to know more but to find answers from science and to transfer knowledge to society.

Principle 10. Humility and respect towards our colleagues. I firmly consider that academics must be competitive with themselves, but not with others. It is essential to be a good and humble person, to help those who ask you for advice, and to disseminate your research so that other researchers and society are aware of it. Along with humility, kindness is an important factor in creating powerful and lasting human relationships. The principles of respect and responsibility are inherent in any academic and research career, being a fundamental axis for our own path. These fundamental values must be transmitted to young women scientists.

I would like to end with a quote from the researcher Marie Curie so that it will always be with you in your scientific career. In this quote she stated:

“We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing must be attained.”

Marie Curie

Best wishes,

Estrella Díaz Sánchez

University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain