Brazil in Space: Interview with Dr Adriana Thomé
Brazil Goes to Space
Dr Adriana Thomé is Senior Technologist at the International Cooperation Office of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) in Brazil and a 2023 UNOOSA Space for Women Mentor. We asked her about two topics that matter in today’s space sector: gender equality and the growing role of Brazil within the world’s space environment.
Key Takeaways
- Dr Thomé’s main duty at MCTI’s International Affairs Office is to assist in institutionalising international cooperation initiatives, especially participation in global multilateral agreements in the space sector.
- She sees mentorship as a direct route to career counselling and a professional network for early-career women in science and technology.
- She shares that one of her 2023 mentees found her dream job halfway through the programme, and stresses that mentors should attend to mentees’ needs and expectations.
At a Glance
- Role
- Senior Technologist, International Cooperation Office, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), Brazil
- Mentoring
- 2023 UNOOSA Space for Women Mentor
- Country
- Brazil
- Focus
- International cooperation and multilateral agreements in the space sector; gender equality and inclusivity in space
About the Interview
Dr Thomé gave this interview in her personal capacity: the views she expresses do not necessarily represent those of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI).
The Interview
Can you share insights into your role as a Senior Technologist at the International Cooperation Office of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Brazil? How does your work contribute to the development of space-related initiatives?
First of all, I would like to state that I am giving this interview in my personal capacity, therefore the statements and views that I expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) in the matters discussed. Getting back to the subject, my main duty at the International Affairs Office at MCTI is to give assistance in the institutionalization of MCTI´s international cooperation initiatives, particularly in relation to the participation in global multilateral agreements, mainly with focus on the space sector, so that MCTI can better contribute: (1) to the coordination of Brazil’s activities in the areas of science and technology; (2) to the promotion of scientific and technological development and (3) to the sharing of data, information, services and knowledge. In a daily basis I participate in the following activities: (1) preparation and negotiation of agreements with foreign institutions; (2) participation in international meetings and events; (3) preparation of technical notes and reports; (4) support and organisation of international meetings and events and (5) attending demands from national and foreign bodies.
As a 2023 UNOOSA Space for Women Mentor, how do you see the role of mentorship in promoting gender equality and inclusivity in the field of space science and technology? Can you highlight any specific initiatives or success stories?
I consider mentorship to be an important tool in the search for gender equality and inclusivity in science and technology, as it provides direct career counselling from a more experienced professional to young professionals. This plays an important role in the encouragement of the mentees in regard to difficulties they can suffer in the beginning of their professional lives, enhancing the chance of their permanence and eventual success in the career. Besides, mentorship also enables these young professionals to be inserted to a network of connections in the sector that would usually take a long time for them to achieve on their own. In this specific topic I want to highlight the conquest of one of my mentees. Halfway the 2023 mentorship programme, she got the job of her dreams. Obviously, this achievement is not only the result of the mentorship. However, I believe that the mentorship certainly improved her self-confidence and helped her to face this new challenge with the certainty that there is room for everyone in the sector. In this sense, it is very important as well that the mentor pays attention to which are the mentees´ needs and expectations with their careers and with the mentorship programme itself, in order understand how it is possible to help.
This interview was first published as a preview of a longer article in the SpaceInfo Magazine.
Editorial note. This interview was conducted by The SpaceInfo Club. Answers are published as provided by the interviewee and reflect their personal views. Spotted an error or want to suggest a correction? Contact us.