Neuroscientist Raimundo da Silva Soares Junior, a postdoctoral researcher at the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2024 CAPES Thesis Award, one of the most important recognitions in the Brazilian academic science. His PhD research, conducted through the Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Cognition at the Federal University of ABC (UFABC), was recognized in the Interdisciplinary category for its relevance and innovation in the field of neuroscience applied to education.

Soares’ research focused on cognition and the use of neurotechnologies in educational settings. The study showcased how tools such as fNIRS (portable neuroimaging system) and eye-tracking can be integrated into teaching practices, creating new possibilities for pedagogical implementation and understanding students’ cognitive processes.

The thesis also broke new ground by incorporating virtual reality into its methodology, offering new pathways for educational development. Soares not only concentrated on scientific aspects but also discussed the challenges faced during the research period, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With support from the Fulbright Program and Drexel University in the United States, Soares solidified a career marked by his desire to give back to society the support he received. “I’m the son of a bricklayer and a seamstress, and I worked as an electrician to support my dream of becoming a neuroscientist,” he recalls. Having studied at public institutions, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to education and scientific progress.

The CAPES Thesis Award is a recognition of excellence in graduate-level scientific research in Brazil. The Honorable Mention awarded to Soares celebrates not only his dedication but also the potential impact of his discoveries on improving teaching and learning.