Programa Futuras Cientistas Empowers 470 Brazilian Girls in STEM Through Hands-On Learning
Brazil's Programa Futuras Cientistas empowers 470 public high school girls with hands-on STEM education and mentorship in its 2026 edition.
- • 470 girls from public high schools participated in the program focused on STEM fields.
- • Activities included 80 hours of hands-on workshops and lectures by renowned scientists.
- • Participants worked on sustainability projects involving biodiesel and diesel engines.
- • The program provides financial aid and science kits to participants and concludes with a ceremony attended by MCTI Minister Luciana Santos.
Key details
The 2026 edition of Programa Futuras Cientistas has once again made a significant impact by empowering 470 high school girls across Brazil to engage deeply with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The initiative, organized by the Centro de Tecnologias Estratégicas do Nordeste (Cetene) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), focuses on practical and immersive experiences to encourage female participation in fields where women have traditionally faced challenges.
Since beginning on January 5, the program offered 80 hours of activities including hands-on workshops in university laboratories and technological centers, as well as lectures from renowned scientists. Participants were involved in projects such as "Sustainability in Motion - Assessing the Impact of Biodiesel on Diesel Engines," linking STEM learning directly to sustainability and innovation.
One standout participant, 17-year-old Aline Vitória Almeida de Aquino, described her enthusiasm for learning about tools, engines, and the production of biodiesel — an eco-friendly fuel derived from oilseed plants. Through these experiences, Aline has been motivated to pursue mechanical engineering and prepare for the college entrance exam. Her mentor, Professor Andrezza Carolina Carneiro Tomás, emphasized the importance of stimulating greater female interest in STEM careers.
The program arrangements included a financial aid package of R$ 300 for each participant, granted by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), along with kits containing materials for science experiments. The initiative concludes with a ceremony at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), to be attended by MCTI Minister Luciana Santos.
Established in 2011, Programa Futuras Cientistas has positively affected hundreds of young women, opening doors to science, technology, and innovation through practical education and mentorship. Its continuous success highlights Brazil's commitment to empowering the next generation of female scientists and engineers.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (3)
Source comparison
Program conclusion date
Sources report different conclusion dates for the program.
plantaonews.com.br
"The program will conclude with a ceremony attended by MCTI Minister Luciana Santos."
gov.br
"The initiative aims to stimulate girls' interest and participation in science and technology. During the program, which concludes on January 30."
jornaldebrasilia.com.br
"The program concludes with a ceremony at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) on Friday at 9 AM."
Why this matters: One source states the program concludes on January 30, while another implies it concludes with a ceremony on a Friday, which could suggest a different date. This discrepancy affects the understanding of the program's timeline.