Words: Elana Araújo, Advanced Computing at Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, FCCN unit.
As a witness of the quick transformation in Advanced Computing over the years, it’s necessary to highlight the role played by women in STEM, particularly in the Technology field.
Evolution of Advanced Computing
In recent years, we have witnessed advances in Advanced Computing, driven by innovations in hardware and algorithms. Supercomputers, such as Deucalion in Portugal, exemplify the processing power we have acquired that was previously unimaginable. In the Portuguese context, the National Network for Advanced Computing (RNCA) plays a key role in connecting research, development, and people, facilitating collaborations, and ensuring that Portugal has a place at the vanguard of computational innovation.
As we embrace the future, we anticipate faster, more efficient, and more sustainable systems, promoting advances in different areas, from scientific simulations to artificial intelligence.
Advanced Computing in Everyday Life
The integration of advanced computing into our lives is inevitable. From weather forecast, supply chain optimization or the personalization of medical treatments, the applications are vast and reach all the scientific areas. The National Advanced Computing Network in Portugal – RNCA – plays a crucial role in facilitating access to these innovative technologies for the scientific and innovation community. This ensures that this community is equipped with the technology needed to effectively solve global challenges.
Female representation in STEM
As a woman in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, I have witnessed a significant change in the dynamics of research, development, and innovation teams. The increase in female representation has brought different perspectives, driving not only the opportunity to promote equality, but also to challenge and deconstruct the disparities that have been historically entrenched. As more women assume key roles in Technology, we are not only building a more equitable workforce, but also helping to deconstruct the barriers that have limited women’s advancement over time.
This transformation is not just limited to the professional sphere, it extends to the personal, impacting society as a whole. Innovative approaches to complex problems faced by society emerge precisely when diverse voices are properly represented in teams.
In line with the March theme dedicated to celebrating women in STEM, it is imperative to recognize the crucial role that women have played in the evolution of these fields, often without due recognition.
In addition to promoting equal opportunities, we are actively committed to relieving the discrepancies built up over the years. The multiplicity of ideas and experiences not only stimulates creativity and problem-solving but also ensures that Advanced Computing benefits society as a whole, promoting an authentic transformation towards a fairer and more equal society.
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