Uéverton Souza awarded ABC affiliate membership
Computer scientist is a professor at IMPA Tech
27/09/2024
IMPA Tech professor Uéverton Souza was made an affiliate member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) last Thursday (19). A computer scientist from UFF, Uéverton works in the field of algorithms and complexity. His mandate runs until 2028.
“For me, it’s an extremely proud moment because there are young researchers up to the age of 40 selected by major area. I was selected to represent the Engineering Sciences area in the Rio de Janeiro region. First of all, this shows that I’m on the right track, I’m doing my research in the right way and it shows the recognition of the community, because there’s also the nomination of a full member of the ABC.”
The professor sees the appointment as an opportunity to participate more in academic life and establish exchanges with researchers from other areas. “My first big goal is to become more involved in academia. When you finish your doctorate and start teaching, you become very immersed in your field. Now, it’s an opportunity to meet other peers as well, to meet people from other areas. It’s also a great networking opportunity.”
In addition to scientific exchange, Uéverton sees the mandate of affiliate member as a possibility for personal development in his field. In addition, deepening the discussion on computing from a theoretical perspective is also an expectation for the professor. “I have the feeling that I have to make it happen, I have to do more. My area is more theoretical within computing, so it’s an opportunity to bring more information about the mathematical foundations of computing. When you talk about computing, everyone thinks of AI, so this is a good opportunity to show that there’s much more to it than artificial intelligence.”
Another point that the IMPA Tech professor highlights in winning membership is his time in the distance learning system. With a degree in Computer Systems Technology from the Rio de Janeiro State Distance Higher Education Center (Cederj), Uéverton celebrates the recognition of the work of a researcher with semi-presential training.
The scientist was part of the third class to graduate from Cederj (Três Rios hub) as an alternative to overcome the financial difficulties that prevented him from accessing universities in nearby cities. Later, in postgraduate studies – a master’s degree and a doctorate – Uéverton joined the conventional, face-to-face model.
“I think one of the unusual things about my career is this [distance learning degree]. Cederj is relatively new, the Open University of Brazil was created later and then encompassed Cederj. In the beginning, everyone was a bit skeptical about the future of this initiative. After just over ten years, this is a great example of how the system can train good researchers. I think the distance system is interesting for training researchers, because you have to do research without someone there to explain how it is, how it works. In a way, it contributes to the profile of a researcher, perhaps.”
Regarding the IMPA Tech activities, he says he welcomed the project and is optimistic about the proposal. “I think it’s a very good idea to bring together the best students in Brazil in the same place. I expect IMPA Tech to fly high.”
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