Brazil Celebrates and Promotes Women's Leadership in Science on International Day
Brazil marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with awards, funding initiatives, and recognition of female leadership in science across various states.
- • Three scientists honored with the Carolina Bori Ciência & Mulher Award, highlighting women’s scientific contributions in multiple disciplines.
- • Minas Gerais invests over R$ 568 million in women-led research, with women representing 60% of Fapemig scholarship recipients in recent years.
- • Fapeam in Amazonas launches exclusive funding calls for women researchers, investing millions to promote innovation and sustainability.
- • Rio de Janeiro and Rondônia emphasize female scientific leadership, celebrating projects and historical figures who shaped regional scientific development.
Key details
On February 11, Brazil commemorated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a series of events and initiatives across multiple states that highlighted and supported women's pivotal contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In a notable ceremony, the 7th Carolina Bori Science & Woman Award honored three illustrious female scientists: Luísa Lina Villa from the University of São Paulo (USP) recognized for her research on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Ana Mae Tavares Bastos Barbosa in Humanities, and Iris Concepcion Linares de Torriani in Exact and Earth Sciences. Minister Luciana Santos stressed the importance of women's full participation in science, linking it to innovation and sustainable development, while acknowledging historical gender disparities in postgraduate studies and scientific recognition.
Minas Gerais revealed significant investments exceeding R$ 568 million from 2021 to 2025 in women's scientific research. Women represent 60% of Fapemig's scholarship holders, with programs like ‘Ciência por Elas’ allocating R$ 17.9 million in 2023 for women-led projects, and in 2025, 160 out of 300 STEM scholarships awarded to women. Secretary Mila Corrêa da Costa emphasized how these investments inspire future generations.
The State of Amazonas celebrated with a Scientific and Technological Evening hosted by Fapeam, launching two exclusive funding calls dedicated to women researchers. President Márcia Perales Mendes Silva highlighted the essential role of gender equality in sustainable development, revealing forthcoming investments totaling over R$ 6 million for women-led projects through programs like Amazônidas and Leadership Support for Women in Innovation and Sustainability.
In Rio de Janeiro, the Municipal Secretary of Education, Science and Technology (Seduct) spotlighted female-led scientific projects, with women heading 42 of 62 ongoing initiatives and 79 of 107 projects for 2025. Carla Salles stressed the need to enhance visibility and funding for women’s scientific endeavors to build equitable futures.
Rondônia’s government recognized historical female figures such as Emilie Snethlage and Yêda Pinheiro Bozarcov, illustrating women’s longstanding influence on Amazonian science and culture. Support through Fapero continues to promote women's participation in research vital to environmental sustainability and technological innovation.
These multifaceted efforts across Brazilian states collectively advance the recognition, funding, and visibility of women scientists, fostering inspiration and creating equitable opportunities in STEM fields nationwide.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (5)
Source comparison
Date of International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Sources disagree on the date of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
agenciaminas.mg.gov.br
"On February 11, coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science..."
gov.br
"On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on March 11..."
Why this matters: One source states the day is celebrated on February 11, while another claims it is on March 11. This discrepancy affects the understanding of when the events and recognitions are taking place.