The Women in Science and Innovation program offers female researchers in STEM fields across Brazil entrepreneurship skills applied to their research, strengthening and expanding their career paths through an innovative and strategic approach to understanding the world through science. Free and online, the program is developed in partnership with the British Council and sponsored by Shell.
In 2026, the program will reach its 8th edition and continue to encourage women across the country who refuse to be limited by the imagination of others — paraphrasing the famous quote by Mae Jemison, a chemical engineer and the first Black woman in space.
Sometimes people want to tell you how you should act or be. Sometimes people want to limit you because of their own imagination.” Mae Jemison: Coming In From Outer Space. Ebony, December 1992.
OBJECTIVE
With the goal of strengthening the capabilities of Brazilian female researchers in higher education and postgraduate studies in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, gender, and science, while expanding career development opportunities in universities and the job market, the program encourages the formation of a cooperative network among participants, focusing on collective growth.
The program includes lectures and workshops on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, self-confidence, gender and science, fundraising, and topics related to the experience of being a woman in science. In its 8th edition, the program will feature six synchronous online meetings, held on a virtual platform, on Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm, totaling 18 hours. The activities will take place on April 18th and 25th, and May 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd, 2026.
In this edition, 80 places will be offered, distributed among participants from all over Brazil. Registration will be done through a Google Forms application, requiring the completion of personal data and submission of a cover letter indicating the research or project of interest.
Participants who attend at least 75% of the classes will receive a certificate of participation.
SELECTION AND STAGES
The selection will be made by the Museu do Amanhã team, and will take place as follows:
16 positions for each region of the country; 50% of the positions are reserved for Black and mixed-race women;
Analysis of the clarity and objectivity of the letter of intent: in it, we request a brief presentation about yourself, your background, motivation for participating in the program, and information about your project, if you already have one, or a proposed idea for developing one.
Registration: February 25 to April 2, 2026 (until 11:59 PM)
Selection: April 2nd to 10th, 2026
Results will be announced: April 14, 2026.
Confirmation of Participation: April 14-17, 2026
Online Meetings: April 18 to May 23, 2026
PROGRAMAÇÃO
1st meeting — April 18th
Opening of the program
Lecture “Science and Technology from a Gender and Race Perspective” with Silvana Bahia, entrepreneur and member of the Scientific Committee of the Museu do Amanhã.
Workshop “Journey of Self-Confidence for Entrepreneurial Women Researchers” with Karla Suarez, Career Mentor.
2nd meeting — April 25th
Lecture “Sharing stories: impact businesses” with Mayris do Nascimento, entrepreneur at “Nosso Mangue”.
Lecture “Getting to know the world of entrepreneurship and business” with Alice Salvo Sosnowski.
3rd meeting — May 2nd
Lecture “The Brazilian Innovation Ecosystem for Women Entrepreneurs in Science” with Milly Veiga, project manager.
Workshop “How to develop an innovative research project” Paula Fehper, designer.
4th meeting — May 9th
Workshop “How to create a pitch?” and lecture “Storytelling for pitches” with Maira da Costa, business mentor.
5th meeting — May 16th
"Pitch presentations" with Maíra da Costa, Angélica Souza, and Rosyane Silwa.
6th meeting — May 23
"Entrepreneurship as Success: Fundraising for Women Scientists" with Daiane Dutra.
Literacy in the Futures Laboratory with researchers from the UNESCO Chair in Literacy in the Futures at the Museu do Amanhã.
