Brazil's MCTI Advances Gender Equity in STEM with R$100 Million Investment
Brazil's MCTI is investing over R$100 million in programs and awards to boost gender equity and diversity in science, focusing on women and marginalized groups in STEM.
- • MCTI announced a R$100 million investment in initiatives supporting women in STEM over three years starting in 2024.
- • The Atlânticas program targets Black, Romani, quilombola, and indigenous women with R$8 million benefiting 86 researchers.
- • The Women and Science Prize honors outstanding female scientists, with the second edition planned for March 2026.
- • MCTI emphasizes that promoting women in science strengthens the entire scientific system through diversity.
Key details
Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) is intensifying efforts to promote gender equity and diversity within the STEM fields through a series of proactive initiatives and substantial funding. In partnership with the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), MCTI is launching targeted scholarships, awards, and programs to empower women researchers, especially those from marginalized communities.
A landmark investment of over R$100 million has been announced for the 'Meninas nas Ciências Exatas, Engenharias e Computação' initiative over three years starting in 2024. This initiative supports projects like 'Meninas Velozes', which has been positively transforming academic and personal experiences for the participants, fostering both gender equity research and broader collaboration networks.
The Atlânticas program, launched in 2023 with an R$8 million investment, explicitly targets increasing the participation of Black, Romani, quilombola, and indigenous women in science, benefiting 86 researchers so far. These programs are complemented by the Prêmio Mulheres e Ciência (Women and Science Prize), established in 2025, which honors outstanding female scientists through categories recognizing young researchers and those with significant institutional contributions.
Luciana Santos, the first female Minister of MCTI, highlighted the historic and ongoing contributions of women across various scientific disciplines, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives to the entire scientific ecosystem. Dianne Magalhães, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Brasília, noted that policies dedicated to women enhance diversity, which ultimately strengthens the scientific community.
The first Women and Science Prize recipient, Patrícia Takako Endo, exemplifies persistence despite challenges like sexism and encourages women to pursue scientific careers. The second edition of this award is slated for March 2026.
Overall, MCTI's focused approach combines financial support and recognition to cultivate a more inclusive STEM environment in Brazil, signaling long-term commitment to gender diversity and equity in science.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
