IMCD Group, a global leading partner for the distribution and formulation of specialty chemicals and ingredients, is continuing its support to Futuras Cientistas, a national Brazilian program, in 2026. The new edition will expand the scientific immersion to additional market application fields and welcomes a new group of public-school students to hands-on laboratory experiences in in the São Paulo region.

Futuras Cientistas, translated as Future Female Scientists, is a national initiative that encourages girls from public secondary schools to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Created in 2012, Futuras Cientistas became a national program in 2023. Data from the initiative shows that around 70 percent of participants go on to higher education, underlining its role in shaping academic pathways and long-term career choices.

IMCD has supported the program since 2023 and was the first private company to partner with the initiative in Brazil. The support involves building a scientific and practical education curriculum that is validated by Futuras Cientistas and the Brazilian Ministry of Science and Education.

This year, IMCD Brazil will host six students for a practical scientific immersion in its laboratories in São Paulo, across a broader range of chemical applications. In addition to Beauty & Personal Care, the program now also includes Coatings & Construction.

The 2026 edition is also strengthened through IMCD’s partnerships. As part of the 2026 edition, three students who selected the pharmaceuticals field will complete their immersion at the newly opened Technical Services and Development laboratory of Roquette, one of IMCD’s portfolio partners, and a leading provider of excipients and pharmaceutical solutions.

The involvement of Roquette reinforces the shared commitment between the two companies to education, science and long-term impact beyond day-to-day business. By engaging partners in the programme, IMCD extends the learning environment beyond its own laboratories and reinforces a shared responsibility for supporting the next generation of scientific talent.

For Alessandro Moraes, Managing Director of IMCD Brazil, the initiative is rooted in creating equal chances and making science more accessible: “Science still does not offer equal opportunities to everyone, and that needs to change. Programmes like Futuras Cientistas help show young women that there is a place for them in laboratories, in industry and in scientific careers. Opening our doors is not symbolic. It is practical. And it only works because our teams are committed to sharing their knowledge, their time and their experience,” he said.

“The students will have the opportunity to receive real-world experience and mentorship from Roquette experts. Roquette is strongly committed to supporting initiatives that build a better and stronger Latin America. We are proud to be part of the Future Scientists program, inspiring young girls to explore STEM. At Roquette, we believe in creating a better world where women have equal opportunities to lead and innovate,” added Adriana Quiroga, Application, Development and Innovation Lead for Latin America at Roquette.