Newsletter
Bionote
I am a microbial molecular biologist and professor at the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA) in Brazil. I am one of the leaders of the Research Group in Biodiversity, Bioprospection and Biotechnology (GB3). Our group develops outreach and science literacy and citizen science projects on the topics of genetics, evolution and microbiology.
I am also a professor at the Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment (PPGSA), in addition to the Environmental Science and Technology program (PPGCTAmb). I developed my PhD as a Marie Curie fellow during Biocor Project ITN in Portugal (2010-2013).
Why did you decide to run (again) as Chair of the Chapter?
I was one of the founders and the first chair of the Brazil Chapter in 2017 and after the pandemic we noticed a decrease in engagement and that with my previous experience I would be of help to get the new members more involved and build a new generation of chairs and board members for the chapter.
What will be the objectives of the Chapter under your tenure?
We are committed to reestablish some iconic events like the Brazil-Europe Workshop (BREUW) and to make MCAA an important stakeholder in Brazil's scientific environment when it comes to science policy, science diplomacy and international collaboration.
What are your plans for the development of the Chapter?
We plan to have virtual activities like career development science diplomacy/policy webinars, therefore giving our members tools to be MCAA local representatives and to establish MCAA as a reference like Brazilian Academy of Science (ABC) or Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science (SBPC). We want to get more members of MSCA Staff Exchange projects to join the Association and the Brazil Chapter.
Do you already have plans for events and activities? Can you tell us some?
We have a webinar planned in November related to migrating from Academia to industry with the founder of Startup Genomic company. We are also planning to bring other professionals like diplomats or international relations specialists. For 2025 we are involved with the organization of the 4th MCAA LATAM Conference that will be held in Mexico City and for 2026 we will have the 3rd Brazil-Europe Workshop in Brazil.
How will you cooperate with other Chapters and Working Groups?
As mentioned, we are frequently working with the other Latin American chapters to organize joint activities and conferences and with working groups related to career and other topics for webinars and joint training.
Leonardo Dall’Agnol
Linkedin
Chair of the MCAA Brazil Chapter
brazil.chapter@mariecuriealumni.eu