FEPE 2026 debates how to attract young people to STEM careers

How can we attract new young people to careers in science? This question guided the discussion in one of the thematic sessions held on Tuesday (10) at the Education, Research and Entrepreneurship Forum (FEPE 2026). Professor Nara Bobko, academic manager of IMPA Tech, was one of the speakers invited to the round table discussion, which opened the day’s educational debates at CENPES (Center for Technological Research and Innovation). Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello), from Petrobras.

The session covered initiatives to arouse interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) from elementary school onwards, including extracurricular events and activities; possibilities for curriculum reform to increase attractiveness; and adjustments needed in higher and technical curricula to meet market demands.

IMPA Tech excels in these areas. With an interdisciplinary and innovative curriculum, the bachelor’s degree in Mathematics of Technology and Innovation aims to train the professional of the future. The degree offers a one-year basic cycle, followed by the choice of one of four emphases: Mathematics, Data Science, Physics and Computer Science. In addition, students receive benefits that encourage young people to stay in undergraduate courses, such as student accommodation, financial aid and a food allowance.

“Dropping out of school because of the need to work or look after the family is still a real barrier. For young people to access and remain in STEM areas, it is essential to create a support network that goes beyond the classroom. It’s very gratifying to know that I’m part of IMPA Tech, one of whose objectives is to break down these barriers and reach students who value the opportunities on offer,” said student Dulce Costa, who attended the chat at FEPE.

The institution also has activities dedicated to social and behavioral skills. Through the NAP (Psychopedagogical Support Center) and the NCE (Careers and Internships Center), students receive daily academic support and take part in cultural and sporting activities. The aim is to train complete professionals, capable of dealing not only with mathematical skills, but also with soft skills.

The debate also tackled an important challenge in science: encouraging girls. “When a talented woman stops pursuing a career in STEM because she doesn’t feel like she belongs or because she faces social barriers, it’s not just her who loses the chance of professional fulfillment. Society loses out too. Encouraging girls in STEM fields means expanding opportunities and strengthening the future of science,” said Nara.

A study published in the journal Science in 2017 shows that, from the age of six, girls begin to doubt their own intellectual capacity compared to boys, as shown in the Startups.com.br article. To reduce the gender gap, institutes have promoted programs to encourage female students to enter. IMPA Tech reserves 25% of its places for girls.

In an interview with Startups.com.br, Nara said that the initiative has been working. “These girls feel they belong there, and this has a structural effect. Many are the first in their neighborhoods to enter careers in mathematics and technology, and they end up making other women see possibilities in these areas. The change is gradual and we have to persist in order to get closer to the ideal scenario.”

Dulce was one of the candidates approved through the women’s quota. “They were essential to my admission because they gave me the confidence to think: ‘IMPA Tech can be for me, yes! There will be other girls with me. The field of exact sciences is not and cannot be male-only! In addition, the existence of female quotas does not indicate that we are less capable, but serves precisely to value us and encourage us to occupy these spaces,” she said.

The FEPE 2026 thematic session was moderated by Luiz Miranda, executive director of EnergyC. Also taking part were Ana Luiza Silva, executive director of JA Rio de Janeiro, Amanda de Paula Lima, a teacher at CE Professor João Borges De Moraes, and Iluska Catta Vieira, a sustainability specialist at SLB.

CENPES is located in the University City of UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), which is hosting the event until Friday (13), with other discussions on research, education and entrepreneurship. The event brings together members of academia, innovation agencies, companies and government bodies, based on the possibility of investment by energy companies, especially in the oil and gas production scenario.