Brazilian researchers receive national academic awards

Researchers from the Federal University of Acre (Ufac) won the best master's work award at the 23rd Brazilian Seed Congress for developing a pioneering ultrasound technique to accelerate seed germination. The study, led by Lívia Brito, focused on the 'bordão-de-velho' tree species, which has economic value for food and reforestation but suffers from slow germination due to a hard seed coat. Applying ultrasound for five minutes increased both the speed and percentage of germination. The team aims to expand this methodology to other crops and endangered native species, including preliminary tests on Brazil nuts.

Separately, researcher Amanda Pereira da Silva Azinari from the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) received the CAPES Thesis Prize in Education. Her doctoral research investigated the training of indigenous teachers in Brazil and Mexico, focusing on intercultural and decolonial practices. The study analyzed narratives from teacher trainers at the Intercultural Indigenous Faculty in Mato Grosso and the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional in Mexico, emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and life stories into formal education.