Patricia Morellato launches the "Diversity in Focus" debate series

By: Gabriela Andrietta

On November 5th, the first lecture of the 1st Debate Series – Diversity in Focus: Knowledge and Challenges in the Face of Climate Change, took place at the Institute of Biology at Unicamp. The event is an initiative of Professor Dr. Clarisse Palma da Silva, Coordinator of the Directorate of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of the Center for Research in Biodiversity and Climate Change, CBioClima. "The cycle aims to promote reflection on the importance of the diversity of knowledge and experiences in building solutions to the climate crisis, bringing together researchers and social leaders in a plural and interdisciplinary dialogue on biodiversity, climate change, equity, diversity and inclusion. The lectures will take place every two weeks, and the objective is to value both the academic contributions and the personal and professional trajectories of the participants," explained Clarisse. The event seeks to promote the integration between the personal trajectory and the scientific production of the participants: "The proposal of the cycle is that people cross the personal testimony of the construction of their career with the theme of climate change. The idea is that each person brings a perspective that unites life experience with what they study," added Dr. Carolina Medeiros, co-organizer of the Cycle.

During the opening, Clarisse highlighted the importance of starting the cycle with the presence of the Director of CBioClima, Dr. Patrícia Morellato, full professor at the State University of São Paulo (Unesp), specialist in phenology and temporal ecology of tropical vegetation. With a degree in Biological Sciences from USP, and a master's and doctorate from Unicamp, Patrícia has built a career marked by scientific excellence and is currently dedicated to understanding how global climate change affects the growth and reproduction cycles of plants, integrating studies of ecology, evolution, and biodiversity. With over 170 published articles, book chapters, and a book awarded the Jabuti Prize, Patrícia has also stood out for applying technologies in her studies, such as phenological cameras, drones, and remote sensing. Currently, she coordinates a CEPID (Center for Innovation, Research and Dissemination) at FAPESP, being one of the few women to lead a research center of this size in the country.

During her undergraduate studies, she fell in love with plants and botany and became fascinated by plant ecology. Throughout her academic career, she has evolved in the study of phenology. "I accepted the tasks and learned to organize myself to have time to do research," she reported, highlighting that facing challenges can transform difficulties into opportunities. She emphasized the importance of seeking opportunities and obtaining resources to make research viable. After her doctorate, Patrícia completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the United States, studying plant reproduction. According to her, the international experience is very important for learning about other cultures and broadening her perspective. It was also during this period that she began to explore new observation technologies, such as the use of phenocameras and remote sensors to monitor vegetation cycles, a pioneering approach in Brazil.

In structuring CBioClima, she invited Professor Clarisse Palma da Silva to coordinate the area of ​​Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, reinforcing her commitment to a more diverse and collaborative science. "We learn by example. When a woman occupies spaces and shares experiences, she paves the way for others," she stated.

Patrícia concluded the lecture by presenting the challenges and results of CEPID and CBioClima, encouraging students and young scientists to view their careers as a field of opportunities and reminding them that scientific research is also a collective construction: "It is a group that grows together, creating infrastructure, facing challenges and learning to do science with purpose."

The audience highlighted the impact and inspiration provided by her lecture. According to Drielli Canal, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Biology at Unicamp, “Professor Patrícia Morellato's lecture was inspiring. She didn't romanticize her journey, she detailed the double burden of the demands — being a world-renowned researcher and also being a mother. The most valuable thing was realizing the barriers she faced and her resilience. She also exposed the asymmetries of the academic system that still make this environment hostile to women, especially for a Brazilian scientist seeking international recognition. But she showed that it is possible, despite the obstacles, to produce quality science and inspired us with her trajectory to seek ever higher levels of excellence.”

Professor Luciana Bolsoni Lourenço Morandini, from the Institute of Biology at Unicamp, highlighted: “Hearing Dr. Patrícia Morellato's account of her academic career was very inspiring. With her welcoming speech and demonstrating profound scientific knowledge and academic leadership, she promoted relevant reflection on the importance of taking on new challenges, seizing job opportunities, and the role of women in the current scientific landscape.”

The next meetings of the “Diversity in Focus” cycle already have confirmed dates. On November 18, 2025, the guest will be Professor Dr. Simone Vieira, from the Center for Environmental Studies and Research (Nepam/Unicamp) and Coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Ecology at IB/Unicamp. And on December 3, 2025, the debate will feature the participation of Professor Dr. Leila Ferreira, from the Institute of Philosophy and Human Sciences (IFCH/Unicamp).