Goiás Boosts Investment in Science to Empower Women in 2026

The Goiás government has significantly expanded its investment in science and technology to promote female participation through the "Goianas na Ciência e Inovação" program, managed by the State Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Secti) and Fapeg. Announced during the National Science and Technology Week themed "Science Delas," this initiative includes R$ 2 million earmarked for public funding calls in 2024 to encourage women's entry and advancement in STEM fields.

Fapeg has allocated a total of R$ 448.1 million for scientific research from 2019 to 2026, with R$ 354.8 million dedicated between 2023 and 2026. A special focus is on projects addressing social challenges, such as ten studies receiving R$ 1 million to combat violence against women and girls. Among them is the "Integrated Protection and Prevention of Lethal Risk" study, led by Jéssica Traguetto from the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), which aims to develop tools to identify high-risk situations and improve coordination among public safety, justice, and health sectors across 45 municipalities.

Educational programs play a pivotal role in fostering female STEM involvement. The Start program provides robotics and programming courses with half of the slots reserved for girls, having received R$ 4.42 million since 2024. The STEAM4Girls project has engaged approximately 120 girls in creative learning activities across six public schools and trained 30 teachers.

Advanced research led by female scientists is also supported, including innovative quantum computing and nanotechnology projects by UFG professors Danielle Cangussu de Castro Gomes and Andreia Luisa da Rosa. Additionally, initiatives like the "Girls Scientists" program seek to expand participation in traditionally male-dominated scientific areas. These investments underline Goiás's commitment to building more inclusive leadership and addressing challenges like balancing motherhood with academic careers.