Professor Lucia Helena Mascaro Sales (UFSCar) is the newest member of the Board of Trustees of the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), which is one of the main agencies for funding scientific and technological research in Brazil. The CINE researcher was appointed to the position by the Governor of São Paulo, who chose her from a shortlist of three candidates, compiled with the participation of 385 voters from 25 higher education and research institutions.

“I take office at the FAPESP´s Board of Trustees with great joy and, at the same time, with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to science,” says the scientist, whose term began on February 5th this year and lasts for six years. “My trajectory as a researcher in the area of ​​sustainability, working at the interface between basic science and innovation, reinforces my conviction that there is no solid technological development without continuous investment in fundamental research,” she expresses.

For Professor Lucia, the training of young researchers in diverse scientific environments, with real encouragement for the participation of women in science, is a central priority. Another important aspect for her is the rapprochement between the university, the productive sector, and society in general, always preserving academic excellence. “I bring to the Council the experience built in initiatives like CINE, where quality science, responsible innovation, and international cooperation go hand in hand,” she says.

Composed of 12 members, the Board of Trustees is responsible for making the major decisions regarding scientific, administrative, and patrimonial policy of FAPESP, as well as establishing the shortlists for the appointment of the president and vice-president of the foundation. “I hope to contribute to ensuring that FAPESP continues to be a strategic pillar for the future of Brazilian science,” says the new member regarding her mandate.

Lucia Helena Mascaro Sales is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at UFSCar and Vice-president of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE). In addition, she serves as Research Director of the Center for the Development of Functional Materials (CDMF) and Vice-coordinator of the Low Carbon Hydrogen division at CINE. She is the author of over 200 scientific articles published in indexed journals and 13 book chapters. She has supervised dozens of research projects by undergraduate and postdoctoral students. In 2024, she won the ACS-SBQ Award for “Brazilian Women in Chemistry” in the “Leadership in Academia” category.

Learn more about the FAPESP Board of Trustees.