21/08/2020

María Amelia Salazar wins the For Women in Science Award.

Foto: L’Oréal-UNESCO Para Mulheres na Ciência

More than ever, it is necessary to solve the world's major challenges. And they are leading significant scientific research that assesses the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of adolescents, the origin of cosmic rays and their possible relationship with galaxies of intense star formation, and methods to preserve soybean crops during unexpected periods of drought. These topics were among the seven awarded by the 15th edition of the For Women in Science Program , promoted by L'Oréal Brazil, in partnership with UNESCO in Brazil and the Brazilian Academy of Sciences.

María Amelia Salazar, a professor at the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics at the Federal Fluminense University, was the winner in the "Mathematical Sciences" category with her work on abstract and complex geometric structures. In her research, the Colombian scientist focuses on a relatively new area of mathematics, Lie groupoids and algebroids , with an object of study originating from a theory of continuous symmetry and applications with references in the study of geometry and differential equations of the 19th century.

“The award brings confidence that your work is good, that you are being recognized, and helps to publicize what I do to 'ordinary' people, which is extremely important. It also gives great encouragement to continue, since research work, even though it is very satisfying, is challenging,” points out the researcher who was at IMPA for her postdoctoral studies between 2014 and 2017.

To contribute to initiatives that promote academic diversity, María Amelia has been working in research groups that connect master's students with potential scientific topics for their doctoral studies. "Through the Latin American Cybercolloquium on Mathematics , we promote presentations by speakers and are attentive to maintaining a high scientific level, taking into account the balance between the number of men and women in the field and encouraging the inclusion of people from different regions and areas."

In addition to her, six other scientists had their work recognized by the award. The "Life Sciences" category had four winners. Microbiologist Vivian Costa (UFMG) stood out with her research seeking solutions to identify and treat severe forms of dengue fever and other viral diseases such as Covid-19. Luciana Tovo (UFPEL) was awarded for her analysis of the effects of the new coronavirus pandemic on chronic stress in adolescents.

Oncologist Andreia Melo (INCA) has improved immunotherapy against a rare and serious type of cancer, mucosal melanoma. Fernanda Farnese, from the Instituto Federal Goiano, was awarded for developing a method to preserve soybean crops during unexpected periods of drought.

Rita de Cássia (UFPR) was awarded the prize in the “Physical Sciences” category for analyzing galaxies with intense star formation. The “Chemical Sciences” prize went to Daniela Truzzi (USP), who researches the functioning of nitric oxide, immune defense, and tissue healing.

The For Women in Science Program aims to transform the scientific landscape by recognizing women. More than 100 female researchers have already been awarded, totaling an investment of over R$ 4.5 million in grants. In the 2018 edition, Luna Lomonaco (IMPA) was the winner in the "Mathematical Sciences" category for her research work in dynamical systems. IMPA algebraic geometry researcher Carolina Araujo received the award in 2008. Adriana Neumann, Cecília Salgado, and Paula Veloso, former students of the institute, have also been awarded.

This year, in addition to winning a scholarship of R$ 50,000, the winners will also participate in a two-day training program with webinars on gender, career, media training , and other topics related to women in science.