Serrapilheira has announced the names of the first grantee researchers to receive renewed support of up to R$1 million each. Twelve scientists selected in the Institute\u2019s First Public Call for Scientific Research (2017) will be awarded additional funding to invest in their projects over the next three years, and will be able to use those resources as they see fit. At this stage, in order to receive the full amount, the researchers will have to demonstrate efforts to promote diversity in science.<\/p>\n
The projects supported by Serrapilheira seek to answer the major questions in their fields. The Institute supports bold proposals, even when they involve a degree of risk, and strives to provide the freedom that is essential for scientists to develop their projects over the long term.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to invest in creative, productive minds because we are absolutely convinced that knowledge is a fundamental value,\u201d says Serrapilheira\u2019s Director President, Hugo Aguilaniu. The institute works by devoting significant resources to a few projects with high potential, Aguilaniu underscores, focusing on investigations that foster the development of internationally competitive science in Brazil.<\/p>\n
This is Serrapilheira\u2019s largest investment in researchers to date. During the first phase of Call 1, 65 scientists were selected from a pool of 1,955 submissions to receive up to R$100,000 each for a one-year period. The idea then was to map the research being conducted by young PhDs in Brazil and offer seed money to kick-start the development of their projects.<\/p>\n
During the second phase, national and international evaluators, alongside Serrapilheira\u2019s Scientific Advisory Board (AB), evaluated the group of researchers. \u201cThese twelve were chosen out of nearly 2,000 proposals, representing just 0.6% of all submissions,\u201d says the chair of the board, Edgar Zanotto. \u201cThis was an extremely competitive process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Strengthening diversity in science<\/strong><\/p>\n Of the R$1 million made available to the grantees, R$700,000 are provided unconditionally. The remaining R$300,000 will be conceded after project leaders incorporate researchers from underrepresented groups into their teams and train them. This step is voluntary: researchers may choose whether to accept these funds, which are earmarked for promoting diversity.<\/p>\n \u201cWe recognize that the problem of diversity and inclusion in science is a complex one, with a long history. With this small step, we\u2019re looking to encourage grantees to engage with the issue and actively contribute to sowing more diversity in Brazilian science,\u201d says Director of Scientific Research Cristina Caldas. \u201cAs new faces enter the field, people who might not have seen research as a viable career path will see that they, too, can become scientists.\u201d<\/p>\n In 2019, Serrapilheira will consolidate its diversity policies, which are currently being developed by a dedicated committee. The institute has previously invested in specific initiatives: it provided an additional R$10,000 to women scientists who had children during the period of the grant, and the open calls extended the time window for the conclusion of one\u2019s doctorate up to two years for female applicants with children. Serrapilheira has also supported events on the topic. \u201cDiverse science,\u201d Caldas says, \u201cis better science.\u201d<\/p>\n Meet the 12 researchers who will receive up to R$1 million from Serrapilheira:<\/strong><\/p>\n Alexander Birbrair<\/span>
\nArea:<\/strong> Life Sciences
\nInstitution:<\/strong> Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – MG
\nProposal:<\/strong> Regulating cancer through the peripheral nervous system<\/em>
\nIt is widely known that the peripheral nervous system is essential to the growth and maintenance of organs. However, less is known about the function of nerve projections and associated cells in speeding the progress of cancer through organs. The objective of the study is to investigate the peripheral nervous system in the tumor microenvironment, the components of which play a role in regulating the behavior of cancer cells.<\/p>\n