Communicating Science: From Biodiversity to Natural Products Biotechnology

• Grant number: 24/00342-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Journalism
• Start date until: July 01, 2024
• End date until: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Camila Manoel Crnkovic
• Grantee: Júlia Miranda Beltran
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02872-4 - Integrated strategies for natural product discovery from Brazilian cyanobacteria, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

From antibiotic-resistant infections to untreatable cancers, new drugs are a continuous demand. Natural products are a rich source of compounds that inspire the development of pharmaceuticals. To discover these natural products, researchers explore biodiversity using chemical and biotechnological tools. This process requires multidisciplinary knowledge, strategy, and extensive collaboration. But how do they accomplish this? How is the daily life like in a research laboratory? This journalistic research project aims to develop materials for communicating research results and popularizing the work of researcher associated with the project "Integrated strategies for natural product discovery from Brazilian cyanobacteria" (Grant 2022/02872-4). Two undergraduate students will undergo training in the production of multimedia content. Alongside their formative journey, the students will receive support from members of the Microbial Natural Products Biotechnology Laboratory (Lab Azul) to gather information for developing the science communication materials. With the products of this project, we expect to engage a broad audience in topics related to environmental conservation, the scientific method, chemistry, and biotechnology, while exploring the link between biodiversity and health.