Research professor at the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD), Maria Carolina Gonzalez, was one of 60 young scientists invited to the 13th Brazil-Germany Symposium on Frontiers in Science and Technology (BRAGFOST). The event, which took place in Maceió, capital of the state of Alagoas, between June 29 and July 2, brought together 60 young Brazilian and German scientists, 30 of each nationality, with up to 15 years of doctorate and potential to promote advances in science and technology in their areas of activity. 

At the meeting, Carolina Gonzalez presented a paper on the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that acts on the central nervous system, in memory integration. “The event brought together diverse topics, ranging from artificial intelligence, global human behavior and big data, biodiversity and bioactive substances, and psychopharmacology,” says the researcher, who has dedicated the last decade of her career to studying memory formation. 

The event is the result of a partnership between the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and takes place alternately in Germany and Brazil. The organizers expect to strengthen the collaborative network between young Brazilian and German scientists in various areas of knowledge, creating new opportunities for future collaborations and fostering the exchange of experiences. 

“During the pandemic, we were greatly encouraged to expand international collaborations using digital tools. However, this does not replace the richness of the face-to-face exchange space, which allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the work of colleagues from other institutions,” says Carolina Gonzalez. 

The event, whose central theme for the 13th edition was well-being, was divided into thematic sessions, in which topics such as the implications of artificial intelligence and machine behavior for human beings, democracy, science and society were discussed; the impacts of global human behavior and large databases (big data) in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN); the influence of molecules on our perception, mental self-awareness and processing of neuronal stimuli; and the possibility of using bioactives and resources from remote and threatened natural environments in certain areas. 

BRAGFOST

BRAGFOST is a binational symposium that takes place alternately in Germany and Brazil and brings together 60 (sixty) young Brazilian and German scientists to discuss new frontiers of research, deepen international knowledge and debate knowledge challenges in an interdisciplinary manner. The symposium is organized by two hosts – one Brazilian and one German. In its 13th edition, BRAGFOST brought well-being as its theme.