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March, celebrated as Women’s History Month, brought significant recognition to the IIS. Agnieszka Latawiec, founder and executive director of the Institute, is, among 23 researchers from various fields, on the list of the most cited scientists in documents related to public policy decision-making, according to a report by Agência Bori and the Overton platform. Each researcher of the list has at least 150 citations in strategic documents, technical reports, and expert opinions used by governments, international organizations, and civil society organizations.

Women’s participation in science has increased over the past 20 years. According to a survey by the international scientific publisher Elsevier, also published by Agência Bori, the percentage of women among authors of scientific publications in Brazil rose from 38% in 2002 to 49% in 2022. When looking exclusively at STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), this female representation rose from 35% in 2002 to 45% in 2022.

At the IIS, this trend is even more pronounced: women account for 71% of staff and hold 80% of leadership positions

.“We need more women in science and more data generated by women. This isn’t just about equality; it’s about scientific quality,” says Agnieszka in an interview for the IIS website.

She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom and a degree in Environmental Protection Engineering from the University of Life Sciences in Poland. She is dedicated to research on biochar, carbon sequestration, sustainable soil management, and ecological restoration.

Read below an interview with the scientist about her views on career, recognition, and women in science.

 

Why does the gender perspective matter in science?

The gender perspective matters because, for a long time, science was done by men and based on data from men. This shapes the kind of knowledge we produce. We need more women in science and more data generated by women. This isn’t just about equality; it’s about scientific quality.

Despite the barriers, there have always been extraordinary women, such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie. A Polish scientist, she was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize and the only one to win it in two fields: Physics and Chemistry, for the discoveries of polonium and radium. In a world that excluded women from science, she broke barriers, became the first female professor at the Sorbonne (Paris), and proved, through her career and perseverance, that women not only participate in science: they lead and shape the future.

What does it mean to be one of the 23 most-cited scientists in strategic documents?

I don’t follow social media much, so when my colleagues at the IIS shared this news, it was a very exciting surprise. This recognition empowers me and reminds me of my purpose. More than just a personal achievement, I see this as an opportunity to pave the way for other women to grow, alongside and beyond me.

Have you seen changes in the presence of women in science and at the IIS?

At the IIS, since our founding 17 years ago, we have sought a balance between women and men. The Institute was founded by a woman and a man, in a natural, complementary, non-competitive way. In other words, women have been present and active in the science produced by the IIS from the very start.

Over the years, we have seen moments at the IIS when women were in leadership roles, yet decisions were still made by men. This is something that requires care and has become an important lesson for me. Today, women hold real leadership positions at the IIS and in the science we conduct, and this, to me, is essential. Representation only makes sense when accompanied by real decision-making power.

What impact do you hope your sustainability research will have in Brazil?

My goal is to leave a legacy of robust science that positively impacts lives, but is also accessible and applied. Sustainability needs to move beyond rhetoric and into practice, especially in rural areas, where I conduct most of my research.

What achievements have been most significant in your scientific career?

I would highlight two points. One was bringing attention to the issue of leakage in restoration, showing that we can inadvertently displace negative impacts. The other was the research I conceived and coordinated on biochar and soil carbon, which holds great potential for climate solutions.

How does the female majority at the IIS contribute to dialogue with society?

The presence of women brings sensitivity and the ability to articulate ideas, essential characteristics for sustainability. But above all, it’s about respect and the quality of relationships. I also strongly believe in diversity; I enjoy working with both women and men. The goal is balance.

Are structural changes still needed in the academic and scientific environment so that female talent is better utilized?

Absolutely. We see many spaces where women are present, but decisions remain in the hands of men. This needs to change structurally.

We also need to strengthen connections between academia and other sectors, such as the public, private, and third sectors. This helps women, especially those early in their careers. We’ve been doing this at IIS for over a decade, through a formal partnership with the university. This helps recent female graduates enter a professional, scientific, and safe environment. We need more of these environments across various sectors so that recent graduates can grow professionally.

Furthermore, we women must support one another more and create spaces where everyone can grow. I still observe and hear that, in some contexts and senior management positions, this support doesn’t always happen as it should. This saddens me, but it also motivates me even more to contribute to more collaborative and inclusive environments.

What message would you like to share this Women’s History Month?

Be kind to one another—our strength lies in unity and serenity. And you can count on me: I’m with you and here for you.