Cape Verde Researcher Receives UNESCO Prize
The talented researcher from Cape Verde, Pamela Borges, just 33 years old, received the L'Oreal UNESCO 2023 Prize, for her pioneering study on breast cancer that she is carrying out in her country.
This work, developed with the support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, aims to characterize the disease in Cape Verde. Throughout this project which ends in 2025, Pamela worked in close collaboration with the Agostinho Neto Hospital and the Cape Verde Oncology service.
International Recognition
Previously, sample analysis had to be carried out abroad, often in Portugal, which significantly delayed the start of treatment. However, thanks to this innovative project, it is now possible to diagnose breast cancer in Cape Verde, thus reducing the time between detection of the disease and the start of treatment.
Pamela Borges' excellent work was recognized internationally with the prestigious L'Oreal UNESCO 2023 award for Women in Science. Pamela stood out among the 30 winners of the award and became the first Cape Verdean to receive this distinction.
In an interview with Mais Afrika, Pamela Borges shared fascinating details about her innovative study. The project began due to the significant increase in breast cancer cases observed in the country. As part of the “Envolve Ciência PALOP” program, funded by the Gulbenkian Foundation, Pamela proposed to study the profile of the disease in the Cape Verdean population, which culminated in the present study.
The L'Oréal-UNESCO Prize
The L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science aim to promote the position of women in science by recognizing outstanding researchers who have contributed to scientific advancement. These awards, resulting from a partnership between L'Oréal and UNESCO, provide the laureates with a platform to inspire future generations of scientists.
The researcher from Cape Verde was also selected to receive additional support from the Gulbenkian Foundation and the “la Caixa” Foundation. This support aims to improve equipment and implement advanced techniques in the Molecular Biology Laboratory of the Agostinho Neto University Hospital. The objective is to carry out genetic tests to support therapeutic decisions for Cape Verdean cancer patients.
Conclusion
Pamela Borges' story is inspiring and exemplifies the positive impact that scientific research can have on society, in this case, in Cape Verde.
The international recognition received highlights not only the excellence of Pamela Borges' work, but also the importance of supporting and promoting women in science. This exemplary case demonstrates how science can be a powerful tool to promote development and overcome challenges, contributing to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Picture: © 2023 Pamela Borges
