São Paulo – Professor Edgar Dutra Zanotto, of the Materials Engineering Department of the Federal University of São Carlos (Dema-Ufscar), has won a prize offered by the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS) in the Engineering Science category, which includes civil, mechanical, production and electronics engineering.
The prize, which awards scientific excellence in various fields of knowledge, will be granted during a ceremony in Morocco, as part of the TWAS’ 22nd General Meeting, in 2011. The Arab country is one of the organization’s members and is going to host the meeting, which takes place at a different country each year.
Zanotto, a member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, has been acknowledged for his contribution to studies on nucleation and growth of in vitro crystals, and for the development of new glass-ceramic materials, which may be used in orthopaedic prostheses, optical equipment and materials with high aesthetical appeal, excellent wear-resistance and thermal shock resistance. Glass-ceramics are obtained through a controlled process of glass crystallization, carried out under temperatures ranging from 500 to 1,100 degrees Celsius.
According to Zanotto, his nomination for the award was made by TWAS member José Fernando Perez, who was the scientific director of the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (Fapesp) between 1993 and 2005. "The jury reviewed my resume and an extended abstract (a document containing roughly 20 pages) of all the research work that I carried out throughout my career," said Zanotto.
According to the professor, winning the prize is very important in order to ensure greater recognition to the Ufscar, attract new investment in projects and research, and attract good students.
"A prize such as this one is a great indicator of the excellent quality standard of research conducted at the Glass Materials Laboratory at the Ufscar’s Materials Engineering Department," said Zanotto, who has been a professor and researcher at Ufscar for nearly 35 years.
This is not Zanotto’s first prize. He was elected a member of the International Academy of Ceramics in 2004 and was commended the Brazilian Order of Scientific Merit, granted by the Presidency of the Republic, in 2006.
Over the course of more than three decades, Zanotto has also amassed international experience while living in the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy. Presently, he coordinates the Glass Materials Laboratory (Lamav) and heads a team of 30.
About the TWAS
The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World is an autonomous international organization established in Italy in 1983. The TWAS represents cutting-edge science in developing countries. Its main mission is to promote scientific excellence, research and sustainable development.
The strength of the academy lies in the quality and diversity of its members: scientists of international renown elected by their peers. TWAS scholarship holders, who live and work in developing countries, account for 85% of members. There are currently 999 members.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum