2016 LLA Award Winner - Outstanding Achievement in STEM

Maria J. Blanco, Director, Eli Lilly and Company

After receiving her PhD from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Santiago, Spain, and post-doctoral research appointments at Université Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France, and MIT, Maria started her professional career in 2000 when she accepted a position as a Senior Organic Chemist at Eli Lilly and Company. Currently, Maria serves as Director in Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies.

In the 16 years Dr. Blanco has been at Lilly, she has been a crucial contributor in medicinal chemistry, including the delivery of ten compounds to clinical studies. She has authored more than 50 publications and presentations, and is the co-inventor in 19 patents and patent applications.

She exemplifies a unique combination of deep expertise in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry, drug discovery research, and robust interpersonal skills. She energizes science-focused teams, skillfully integrates multiple scientific approaches, and looks for innovative ways to increase translation of pre-clinical to clinical outcomes and to identify innovative compounds to address unmet medical needs.

Throughout her career, Maria has endeavored to inspire and mentor scientists - young scientists, through her participation and leadership in initiatives like Passport to Hi-Tech and Stepping Stone for Latino students, to fellow scientists through her mentorship at Lilly and within the American Chemical Society and the prestigious Residential School on Medicinal Chemistry and Biology in Drug Discovery.

Maria has shown exceptional leadership in her field, a passion in drug discovery to improve patients’ quality of life, and a commitment to the mentorship of scientists.

Click here to view Dr. Maria J. Blanco's LinkedIn profile.