Cláudia P. Godinho, PhD researcher at iBB-BSRG, was the inaugural winner of the FEMS Science Communication Award, which aims to recognize, every two years, a microbiologist who applies science communications and public relations to contribute significantly to the public discourse about science and evidence.
According to the announcement on FEMS website, “Claudia has demonstrated a passion for science communication, contributing to International Microorganism Day since its beginning”.
“This award is an important recognition of my work as a volunteer in various science communication projects, with special emphasis on the International Microorganism Day”, stresses Cláudia P. Godinho. “I would like to thank everyone involved in the IMD celebrations since 2017, the Portuguese Society of Microbiology for the award nomination”, and also her PhD supervisor and mentor, professor Isabel Sá-Correia.
The award winner was announced at the World Microbe Forum award session, held from June 20-24, 2021 and co-organised by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), FEMS and other microbiological societies.
The award winner receives € 1,000 for expanding the campaign and promotional support via FEMS communication channels.
An initiative that aims to increase society’s awareness of the importance of microorganisms
The International Microorganism Day (IMD) was celebrated for the first time in Lisbon, in 2017. In 2018, the celebrations expanded to Europe. Several initiatives took place in different countries as a result of the efforts carried out by the IST Distinguished Professor Isabel Sá-Correia, as president of the Portuguese Society of Microbiology and FEMS national delegate.
In 2019, the IMD became truly global event celebrated around the world. Técnico celebrated the IMD in 2018 and 2019. The 2020 celebrations took place in virtual format due to the pandemic. This year, due to the pandemic circumstances, the celebrations will once again take place entirely online. Community members interested in joining the celebrations must register here.
About the Federation of European Microbiological Societies
FEMS connects a network of 54 Member Societies from 38 countries across Europe, representing 30,000 researchers, educators, students and public outreach, and industry professionals in microbiology.
FEMS main goals are to benefit microbiology in Europe and across the world through research, networking, education and outreach; and to help its Member Societies serve the microbiology community.
