10-03-2025
Photo: João Lima/NOVA FCT
Paula Videira, researcher at UCIBIO and professor at the Department of Life Sciences at NOVA FCT, and Maria Helena Godinho, researcher at CENIMAT and professor at the Department of Materials Science, were honored in the 5th edition of the book Women in Science, published by Ciência Viva.
Launched on March 8, this project highlights more than 500 female researchers and their inspiring success stories, which have greatly contributed to strengthening the role of science in Portuguese society. Ciência Viva hopes that these stories will inspire young people to pursue their scientific vocations.
In Portugal, women scientists represent 45% of the total research workforce, and their outstanding work has been fundamental to the progress of national Science and Technology in recent decades. Paula Videira now joins this distinguished list of notable women.
"I am driven not only by scientific curiosity but also by the commitment to transform that knowledge into innovative therapies," explains Paula Videira. The researcher and professor has been at the forefront of developing innovative therapies for cancer and other rare diseases.
Maria Helena Godinho has been working in the field of Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulosic Liquid-Crystalline Polymers and Elastomers, as well as the Study of Morphology and Dynamic Behavior of Liquid Crystals. She recently secured an ERC Synergy grant, which is supporting research on innovative and environmentally friendly materials with lower production costs compared to petroleum-based alternatives.
With a visionary outlook on cellulosic systems with special properties, Maria Helena Godinho highlights: "The enthusiasm that drives me to continue researching cellulosic systems with special properties is related to the existing, unresolved fundamental questions and the wide range of new applications that can be envisioned for these systems."
With 20 researchers now featured in this initiative, NOVA FCT takes great pride in the national and international recognition earned by our scientists.
