Carina Soares-Cunha, researcher and neuroscientist at the Institute of Research in Life and Health Sciences, University of Minho, winner of the L'Oréal Medal of Honor for Women in Science in 2022, describes her scientific work and tells us how "developing a research career in Portugal is very challenging, but also very motivating, because through research it is possible to answer many questions that surround you and that can, in fact, have a very positive impact on society."
During the month of March, the FCCN Unit joins the GÉANT campaign #WomenInSTEM, presenting, in an interview, the opinions of several guests in the STEM fields.
CS-C: My name is Carina Soares Cunha and I am a researcher at the Institute of Research and Life and Health Sciences at the University of Minho.
– When and why did you become interested in STEM? Was this your dream as a child/teenager?
CS-C: I am a neuroscientist, having trained as a biologist, as it has always been an area that has fascinated me since my youth.
How does your work contribute to science, innovation, and knowledge creation? How does your work impact the world?
CS-C: I'm currently conducting research in neuroscience, aiming to discover which brain circuits allow us to obtain rewards and avoid dangers, thus contributing to our well-being.
– What do you hope to achieve professionally (a goal/dream)?
CS-C: I very much hope that my future research will serve as inspiration for the development of new, more effective therapies for treating diseases related to these brain circuits, because I believe that this will truly value my work.
– What inspiring message or advice would you give to young girls interested in a career in STEM?
CS-C: What I can say to girls who intend to develop their research in STEM is that: developing a research career in Portugal is very challenging, however, it can also be very motivating, very enjoyable, because you can, through your research, answer many questions that surround you and can, in fact, have a very positive impact on society.
The partnership that gave rise to L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science was signed in 1998 between UNESCO and L'Oréal and has inspired several local initiatives in some countries where the company operates. Portugal is one of the countries that, in 2004, began awarding the L'Oréal Portugal Medals of Honor for Women in Science – a joint initiative between L'Oréal Portugal, the National Commission for UNESCO – Portugal and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
