Playwright and actor
Novelist
Writer and poet
Volleyball player
Italian-Peruvian naturalist and geographer
Singer and percussionist
Last Inca emperor
Politician, former prime Minister
Journalist and TV host
Poet
Inca warrior
Actor and comedian
Biophysicist
Poet
Doctor and researcher
Businessman, Interbank group
Journalist and writer
Poet and writer
Singer and songwriter
Writer
Film director, Berlin Golden Bear winner
Football player
Writer and journalist
Doctor and scientist
Photograph
Chess player
Industrialist
Former general
Specialist in public health
Actress and singer
Afro-Peruvian music singer
Mathematician and engineer
Indigenous chronicler
Neurologist and anthropologist
Painter
Football player
National hero, military leader
Intellectual and reformer
Chef and entrepreneur
Fashion designer
Singer-songwriter
TV presenter
Marathon runner
Indigenous Peruvian chronicler
Theologian
Former national team captain
Economist and former health minister
Inca princess
Writer and television host
Folk musician
Poet and guerrilla
Former UN secretary-general
Chef, known for fusion cuisine
Football player
Peruvian aviation pioneer
Poet and artist
Marxist philosopher and writer
Industrialist and businessman
Novelist and ethnologist
Painter and muralist
Opera tenor
Fashion designer
Cardinal of Lima
Peruvian tennis player
Football coach
Leader of the indigenous rebellion
Military hero
War of the Pacific hero
The youngest mother in history
Politician
Creole music singer
Tennis player
Musician
Writer and politician
Politician and founder of the Christian Democratic Party
Founder of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae
Archaeologist and anthropologist
Military leader and politician
Television host
Actress and singer
Contemporary sculptor
Women’s rights activist
Beauty queen
Astrophysicist
Heroine of independence
Mathematician and archaeologist
Historian and anthropologist
Military figure and historical figure
Fashion photographer
Writer, Nobel Prize in Literature, Politician
Revolutionary leader
Environmental activist
Leader of the indigenous rebellion
Musician from Gaia band
War hero
Military leader and politician
Chef, known for Nikkei cuisine
Volleyball coach and former player
Environmental activist
Television personality
Writer
Football player
Epidemiologist and former health Minister
Inventor and aerospace pioneer
Soldier and inventor
Rock singer
Chef and co-owner of Central restaurant
Painter
Football player
TV presenter and actress
Actor
Writer and historian
Journalist and lawyer
Archaeologist, founder of Caral site
Monk and Saint
Saint, patron of Latin America
Physicist and engineer
World champion surfer
Actress
Oncologist
Singer, Latin Grammy winner
Former mayor of Lima
Singer
Actress
Former football player
Painter
Former football player
Painter
Inca leader
Archbishop, saint
Leader of the indigenous rebellion
Revolutionary indigenous leader
Diplomat and intellectual
Sculptor and painter
Political leader, founder of APRA
Lawyer and Former prime minister
Chef of Central restaurant
Former head of secret services
Popular singer
Fashion designer
Exotic music singer
María Luisa Aguilar was born in 1938 in Lima, Peru. She is recognized as one of the first women to pursue astronomy in Peru and Latin America and played a key role in developing this field in her country. Her pioneering work not only opened doors for future generations of female scientists in Peru but also contributed to the advancement of astronomy in the region. Her dedication and passion for studying the universe made her a reference for Peruvian and Latin American scientists.
María Luisa Aguilar showed an early interest in science, particularly in physics and astronomy. She studied physics at the National University of San Marcos, where she was one of the few women in her cohort. She later completed her astronomy studies at the University of San Andrés in Argentina, which allowed her to specialize in the study of stars. Upon returning to Peru, Aguilar faced the challenge of developing astronomy in a country where this scientific field was still relatively unexplored.
After completing her studies, Aguilar joined the Astronomical Observatory at the National University of San Marcos, where she began working as a researcher and professor. Throughout her career, Aguilar contributed to the advancement of astronomy in Peru, becoming one of the pioneers in astronomical research in the country. She published numerous articles in scientific journals and participated in international projects, which kept her up to date with the latest discoveries in astronomy.
In addition to her scientific work, Aguilar was a passionate advocate for science outreach. Through lectures, workshops, and articles, she worked to bring astronomy closer to the general public, sparking the interest of many young Peruvians in the study of space. Her commitment to teaching and outreach earned her recognition both in academia and society.
Throughout her career, María Luisa Aguilar also taught at the National University of San Marcos, where she trained several generations of students in physics and astronomy. Many of her students went on to excel in the scientific field, with some continuing her legacy in Peruvian astronomy. Aguilar was a dedicated mentor, eager to see more women enter the field of exact sciences.
In the field of research, Aguilar specialized in the study of variable stars and star clusters, topics she approached with scientific rigor. She participated in many international collaborations, which allowed Peru to be represented on the global astronomical stage. Although the country lacked the resources of major astronomical powers, Aguilar demonstrated that passion and knowledge could lead to significant discoveries.
María Luisa Aguilar received several awards throughout her life for her contribution to astronomy and her role as a pioneer in a traditionally male-dominated field. In 2006, she was awarded the National Science Prize for her career and achievements in astronomical research. Her legacy extends beyond her academic work, as her efforts to promote women's participation in science have been a model for many generations.
María Luisa Aguilar retired from teaching in the 2000s, but she continued to participate in conferences and science outreach activities until the end of her life. She passed away in 2015, leaving an indelible legacy in Peruvian astronomy and the fight for gender equality in science. Today, her work is still celebrated, and her contributions remain an inspiration for new generations of scientists in Peru and Latin America.
María Luisa Aguilar was a pioneer of astronomy in Peru and a role model for women in science. Through her work in research, teaching, and outreach, she significantly contributed to the development of astronomy in her country. Her legacy lives on through the generations of Peruvian astronomers and the young women who follow her example of dedication, perseverance, and love for science.