Popularizing knowledge about mitochondria and their relationship with fertility and diseases

• Grant number: 24/00564-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Journalism
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Human and Medical Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Marcos Roberto Chiaratti
• Grantee: Bruna Soares dos Santos
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/02226-8 - Bilateral BBSRC-FAPESP: molecular mechanisms shaping the germ-line transmission of mtDNA variants, AP.TEM

Abstract

The present proposal is supported by our aim to contribute with the scientific advertisement, in particular, of research carried out in the Laboratory of Genetics and Biotecnology (LaGenBio), at Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar). We seek with this to raise awareness and engage different sectors of our society about the roles of scientific research and the university. The planned news articles will focus on the importance of mitochondrial in germ cells and how changes in the function of this organelle can impact fertility and lead to lethal diseases. To that aim, we have selected two candidates with a former experience and motivation for carrying on this proposal, being one candidate an undergraduate student in the course of Literature and other on the undergraduate student in the course of Social Sciences, both at UFSCar. The two candidates already develop work related to scientific journalism, in addition to having an excellent academic record and previous experience with scientific initiation. The main research grant supporting this proposal is a Thematic Grant in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, which is jointly funded by FAPESP and the United Kingdom Research Institutes (UKRI). However, other FAPESP grants being carried out in the LaGenBio will also be considered in the proposed news articles, which will be posted as podcast, reels, and other formats on the LaGenBio Instagram. We expect with this proposal to contribute with the scientific dissemination of topics of general interest, drawing attention to the work developed by LaGenBio, and assist in the training of new professionals to work in scientific journalism.