Brazil’s 2026 National Science and Technology Week Champions Girls and Women in Science

The 2026 National Science and Technology Week in Brazil is showcasing a variety of initiatives dedicated to promoting the participation of girls and women in science, with events spanning several states and academic institutions.

The Federal University of Sergipe (UFS) received top marks from CNPq for its project "Missão Ciência e Gênero," which will run from October 26, 2026, to August 2027. The project focuses on popularizing science through innovative activities like cienciarte workshops, exhibitions, and gamified educational initiatives that highlight the legacy of Brazilian women scientists while addressing structural gender barriers. A key feature is a mentorship program for high school girls working alongside university students and faculty, aiming to make science more accessible and engaging across municipalities such as Lagarto, Macambira, and Simão Dias.

Meanwhile, at the IFMS Campus Aquidauana in Mato Grosso do Sul, five high school girls won first place at the campus’s Science and Technology Fair with their project on phytoplankton ecosystems bridging the Pantanal and marine environments. Their low-cost microscopy research earned them the best multidisciplinary project award and qualified them to represent their work at FEBRACE 2027 in São Paulo. Their achievement during Science and Technology Week underscores the rising prominence of female-led STEM research and education.

In Rio de Janeiro, Cefet/RJ Petrópolis is hosting the Sepex event from October 20 to 22, themed "Ciência Delas," aimed at highlighting women’s scientific achievements. The event offers around 100 free activities including lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and mini-courses across disciplines such as education, physics, sustainability, and technology. The opening ceremony features climate expert Patrícia Diehl Madeira. Schools can join guided tours, while educational and community engagement is emphasized through diverse participatory experiences.

Together, these initiatives illustrate a nationwide effort to democratize scientific knowledge, encourage female mentorship, and strengthen public engagement with science through accessible, participatory programs during this significant week of celebration and reflection in Brazil.