The research developed by women at the University was highlighted on the afternoon of this Friday (30/10), during the delivery of the 4th Women in Science Award at Unesc. Held at the Ruy Hülse Auditorium, the ceremony recognized students and researchers who stand out for their dedication to scientific production in different fields of knowledge, from scientific initiation to already established careers.

In this edition, there were 59 submissions, distributed among Life Sciences, with 39 entries; Exact, Technological and Multidisciplinary Sciences, with 12; and Humanities, with eight. Of the total, 25 entries were from students, 28 from young researchers, and six from distinguished researchers.

The evaluation involved the participation of 43 women external to Unesc, contributing to the independence and rigor of the analysis of the works. In addition to recognition, the awardees receive institutional credit letters of up to R$ 1,500, R$ 2,000, and R$ 3,000, depending on the category, to support participation in national and international scientific events, according to the conditions of the announcement.

For the Vice-Rector of Research, Graduate Studies, Innovation, and Extension at Unesc, Vanessa Moraes de Andrade, the award has a special significance as it recognizes trajectories and contributes to opening new paths for women in science. "I started my journey in research during my undergraduate studies, driven by curiosity, the desire to learn, and to find answers to the many questions that science presents us. Over the years, I realized that doing science requires much more than knowledge. It requires persistence, dedication, courage, and, above all, opportunities," she emphasized.

Vanessa also drew attention to the participation of students and young researchers in this edition. Together, they represent 53 of the 59 applications, approximately 90% of the total.

"This is wonderful because it shows that we have a new generation of women interested in doing science, investigating, discovering, and contributing to transforming society through knowledge. But this number also brings us a responsibility. It is not enough to encourage these girls and young women to enter science. We need to ensure they find opportunities to stay, grow, take on leadership positions, and have their work recognized," she stated.

Recognition that encourages new trajectories

Among the awardees in the Academic category in Life Sciences, recent Physiotherapy graduate Camila da Costa celebrated her achievement after four and a half years of participation in scientific initiation activities during her undergraduate studies. "I feel very honored. I spent four and a half years in scientific initiation, practically my entire undergraduate program, so I am very happy to have won this award, which certainly motivates us to continue in this process," she reported.

In the Young Researcher category, in Exact, Technological and Multidisciplinary Sciences, Angélica de Souza Goulart also highlighted the importance of the people who supported her education. A chemical engineer and doctoral student, she thanked her advisor, Sabrina Arcaro, for her support throughout her academic journey. "My advisor has been with me since my undergraduate studies, during my Final Project, and continues with me now in my doctorate, always encouraging me and participating in all my dreams," she stated. 

The Vice-Rector also emphasized the importance of the support provided to the winners for participation in scientific events, expanding the possibilities for knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers. "Recognizing is fundamental, but creating opportunities for these women to continue growing is even more transformative," she pointed out.

Check out the winners of the IV Women in Science Award at Unesc

Life Sciences

Distinguished Researcher
•    1st place: Vanessa Iribarrem Avena Miranda
•    2nd place: Tamy Colonetti

Young Researcher
•    1st place: Isadora de Oliveira Monteiro
•    2nd place: Aline Cristina Vieira de Lima
•    3rd place: Taise Cardoso Petronilho

Academic
•    1st place: Camila da Costa
•    2nd place: Eduarda Letícia Balbinot
•    3rd place: Nicoly Silveira Apolidório

   
Humanities

Distinguished Researcher
•    1st place: Gabrielle Scola Dutra

Young Researcher
•    1st place: Marcéli de Souza Lopes
•    2nd place: Ana Caroline Damázio da Costa
•    3rd place: Tamires Almeida Bressan

Academic
•    1st place: Laís Guidi Candido

  
Exact, Technological and Multidisciplinary Sciences

Distinguished Researcher
•    1st place: Aline Eyng Savi
•    2nd place: Merisandra Côrtes de Mattos Garcia
•    3rd place: Sara Medeiros dos Santos Pizzatto
 
Young Researcher
•    1st place: Angélica de Souza Goulart
•    2nd place: Hilária Mendes de Souza
• 3rd place: Schirli Sorato Bez Fontana

Student
• 1st place: Manuela dos Santos Uggioni
• 2nd place: Ana Luiza Garcia da Rosa.