Mónica Martínez Alonso
Professional translator with scientific training and research expertise, specializing in biomedicine and life sciences
A scientific career behind every project
Scientific training and research career
My career has always been closely connected to science. I have a robust scientific background that stems from my Biochemistry training and subsequent PhD in Biotechnology.
During my research career, I worked in biotechnology, molecular and cellular biology, oncology, and molecular virology, which allowed me to acquire a broad and diverse experience in scientific research and in working with highly specialized content.
2010 – 2016
Postdoctoral Research
2005
Degree in Biochemistry (equivalent to B.S. in Biochemistry)
Autonomous University of Barcelona
PhD Thesis: Engineering and production of quality viral proteins in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.
2005 – 2010
PhD in Biotechnology
Autonomous University of Barcelona
2011
Identification of new targets for cancer treatment
Vall d’Hebron Research Institute
2011 – 2016
Molecular interactions between influenza virus and the host cell
University of Oxford
This postdoctoral research was partly funded by a Marie Curie Fellowship, awarded by the European Commission to the project FLU-POLII
2010 – 2011
Production of complex virus-like particles to Foot and Mouth Disease Virus
Autonomous University of Barcelona
From research to medical translation
My years in research and work with biomedical content shaped my way of approaching science, understanding it, and working with it. Such training is now an essential part of my work as a translator, and allows me to approach every project from a scientific and specialized perspective, to fully understand content before making it travel to another language.
However, understanding science is not sufficient to translate it correctly. In addition to understanding the meaning of the original content, it has to be communicated in a precise, natural and adequate way in another language. That way of communicating it will only be adequate when the text can finally work in a different context to that in which it was created. This requires taking into consideration certain matters that are not quite related to the text, but rather they go beyond the words in the text itself: What is the intended function of the text in the target language? Who are the target readers? Are there any cultural differences that make the text harder to understand for the new readers? Are there any parts of the original text that need to be adapted so that the content can be understood in the same way? It’s not simply about finding an equivalent formulation in a different language, but rather about analyzing the text, its purpose, and its target audience to identify the best way of delivering its content in the new context.
In order to acquire these competences, I carried out further training and obtained a specialized master’s degree in medical translation, which provided the necessary tools for me to be able to identify and address all these factors and make the right decisions for each project.
2021 – 2022
Master’s Degree in Medical and Healthcare Translation (equivalent to M.A.)
Jaume I University
The combination that distinguishes my work
My scientific career and specialized training in medical translation blend together to define the way I work: understanding science deeply so that I can transfer it carefully, clearly, and naturally to another language.
Scientific knowledge and translation skills complement each other so that all content can both preserve its meaning and work naturally for new readers.
● Translating it precisely
● Communicating it naturally
● Understanding science
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT
Every project has its own needs.
Shall we find together a way to make it reach new readers?
