Fiocruz promotes science among Rio’s public school students

Photo: Fernando Frazo/Agency Brasil

The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) will open its doors on the 8th, 9th and 10th of February to female students from public high schools in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is celebrated on February 11th.

The registration period began on January 2nd and will continue until January 22nd, and the rules can be found on the program website. Fiocruz Science Outreach Coordinator Christina Ararip encourages the enrollment of girls from all over Rio, residents of the interior, Baixada Fluminense, slums, and traditional communities, attending municipal, state, and federal schools.

“We expect to receive many applications. We have 100 vacancies, and we will definitely adopt standards related to diversity,” said Cristina, who adds that the program will be implemented first in Rio de Janeiro, but will later be transferred to the 10 states where Fiocruz has research centers.

The coordinator asks girls to register regardless of their financial circumstances, because it may be possible to forge partnerships with schools and education departments to make their participation possible. Teachers who are familiar with the program are also encouraged to encourage their students to enroll.

In addition to filling out the necessary information and sending permission from the officials, candidates must answer the following questions, each of 100 words: “What is the importance of women in science?” ; and “What are the main areas of knowledge that interest you?”

Laboratory visits

Selection will be made through the Fiocruz Women and Girls in Science program coordination. The decision will be announced online on January 27.

Those selected will get to know the Fiocruz campus in Manguinhos, in the northern region of Rio, visit laboratories, experience research activities and talk to female scientists.

The program seeks to generate interest among students in the fields of science, technology and innovation in the field of public health, highlighting the path of women scientists from Fiocruz.