Brazil Launches Initiatives to Boost Science Communication and Women in STEM
Brazil advances science engagement and women's representation in STEM with new communication events and funding initiatives.
- • Lecture by Mellanie Fontes Dutra kicks off Science and Technology Week at Unesc on April 24.
- • The event aims to enhance public perception and dialogue about science.
- • Female participation in Brazilian STEM fields is only 26%, below Latin American and global averages.
- • Scholarships of R$ 50,000 are being offered to women scientists to address gender disparity.
Key details
On April 24, 2026, Unesc University in Brazil will host a lecture titled "Contando fofocas com ciência" (Telling Gossip with Science) by Professor Mellanie Fontes Dutra. The event marks the launch of the 17th Science and Technology Week and the 4th Women in Science Award. Dutra, a neuroscientist with over 71,000 social media followers, will discuss how narratives impact public perception of science and present strategies to enhance dialogue between scientists and society. The lecture aims to make scientific communication more engaging and accessible, emphasizing the importance of connecting academia with the wider community.
Alongside these efforts in science communication, Brazil is addressing significant gender disparities in STEM. Despite over 70% of Brazilians showing strong interest in science, technology, health, and the environment, only 26% of STEM students in Brazil are women. This falls well below the Latin American average of 45.3% and the global average of 35%, according to research by the Center for Strategic Studies Management and UNESCO. To tackle this gap, the country is offering R$ 50,000 scholarships to women scientists, promoting greater inclusion and support for female researchers.
Vanessa Moraes de Andrade, Unesc's Pro-Rector of Research, noted the event will foster dynamic conversation and highlight positive science communication experiences. Gisele Coelho Lopes, acting rector, stressed how such initiatives help bring local science efforts closer to the public, making them more engaging and accessible. These combined efforts represent a strengthened commitment in Brazil toward inclusive science outreach and gender equality in STEM fields.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
