Brazilian Girls Shine in Tech Education and Female Scientist Advances in Astrophysics

Seven female students from Pará's public schools stood out at the 'Girls in Technology – North, South and Northeast Connection' competition held at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). The project, organized in partnership with UFPA, UFSC, and IFPI, focused on boosting female participation in science and technology. In the Elementary School category, Ana Beatriz Botelho and Alicia Marcela da Rocha Teixeira won first place with their 'Smart House' project, mentored by professor Célia França from the Basic Education Innovation and Sustainability Center (CISEB). Alicia highlighted the importance of encouraging girls in technology, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. In the High School division, first place was secured by Maria Eduarda Ribeiro Barbosa, Alanna Sousa Paixão, and Jessica Mara Veloso de Aguiar. The Pará State Education Secretariat emphasizes the role of public education in fostering STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) skills, particularly for girls, with CISEBs providing vital support.

Meanwhile, Rita de Cássia dos Anjos, a physicist at the Federal University of Paraná, is conducting pioneering research on cosmic rays – extremely high-energy particles from space. Her studies aim to determine the origins and acceleration mechanisms of these particles, involving collaborations with global observatories like the Pierre Auger Observatory and Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory. In 2026, her work was featured in The Astrophysical Journal, exploring supernovae and active galactic nuclei such as Centaurus A as possible sources.

Rita stresses the significance of representation and accessibility in science and advocates for resources for underrepresented groups, including educational materials for visually impaired students. These success stories highlight Brazil’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and girls in STEM fields through education, innovation, and research.