Mara Roque Reappears on Ruta 10 Magazine on Cuban Television

October 25, 2023

Mara Roque, a prominent figure in the world of scientific and environmental journalism in Cuba, has left an indelible mark on the media industry. Her story is living proof of how interest and passion can lead a person to play a fundamental role in the dissemination of science.

Despite her prominent career in scientific journalism, Mara's beginnings on television screens were not necessarily linked to this branch of the profession. From an early age, Mara demonstrated a passionate interest in her surroundings and an unwavering desire to participate in what surrounded her.

At 14 years old, Mara began presenting the popular program "Para Bailar," a weekly television space where talented young people demonstrated their dancing skills. This program not only marked the beginning of her career in the media, but also led her to work alongside a cast of announcers who would become well-known names in the industry.

However, Mara had clear objectives and, despite being involved in various activities, she always strived to excel in each one of them. Despite her success in television, she decided to study biochemistry at the University of La Habana, a choice that surprised many, since she had also considered architecture and journalism.

Her commitment to excellence led her to graduate from university and work at the Centro de Inmunoensayo and later at Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras. It was at this latter place where the television director and advisor, Vicente González Castro, invited her to return to the media to launch a scientific dissemination program.

Thus was born the scientific news program "Estación 500," where Mara Roque combined her solid scientific training with her passion for art and communication, bringing science to the public in an accessible and engaging way.

Subsequently, Mara joined the program "Hoy mismo," where she presented a section dedicated to science for ten minutes Monday through Friday. This space expanded over time, becoming a one-and-a-half hour broadcast on Saturdays. For 27 years, this program, renamed "Antena," became the benchmark for scientific dissemination on Cuban television, and Mara Roque left her unique mark as a presenter.

Her dedication and passion for science led her to receive the annual award for Lifetime Achievement in the Giraldo Caballero Scientific Journalism competition in 2020.

The period in which Mara Roque stopped appearing on television left many of her admirers wondering about her whereabouts and current activities.

During that time away from television, Mara continued working in the field of media and science, which was not widely known to the public. Although "Antena" was on hiatus, Mara Roque did not retire from her passion for science or communication.

Her return to the screen with programs such as "Asombroso" and her participation in "Ruta 10" allowed her followers to see her again and enjoy her charismatic and engaging presentation. This information about her return to television would have been a relief for her admirers, who surely had missed her unique style and her ability to make science fascinating.

Mara Roque is not only a pioneer of scientific journalism in Cuba, but also one of the few women who has conquered the difficult task of making the public fall in love with science.