Glaci Zancan facts for kids

Glaci Teresinha Zancan (born August 16, 1935 – died June 29, 2007) was an important Brazilian biochemist. A biochemist studies the chemistry of living things. Glaci Zancan was also the president of the Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science (SBPC). She led this group from 1999 to 2003. She also did advanced research, called a post-doctorate, at the University of Buenos Aires. There, she worked with Luis Federico Leloir, who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1970.

Her Life and Work

Glaci Zancan was born in São Borja, Brazil. She strongly believed that more women should be involved in scientific research. She also wanted research to be available to everyone in universities.

She helped create the "National Plan of Postgrade Studies 2005-2010." This plan was about improving advanced studies in Brazil. It was managed by CAPES, a Brazilian organization that supports education.

Glaci Zancan lived in Curitiba and became a professor at the Federal University of Paraná. She was also the head of the Brazilian Society of Biochemistry. Later, she became the vice-president of the SBPC from 1995 to 1999. After that, she served as the president of the SBPC from 1999 to 2003. In her last years, she was part of the main board of CAPES. She also served on the Education Council of the State of Paraná.

Awards and Recognition

Glaci Zancan received several important awards for her work.

• In 2000, she was given the Great Cross of the National Order of Scientific Merit. This is a very high honor for scientists in Brazil.

Named in Her Honour

• To remember her contributions, a special award was created. It is called the "Trophy Women of Science Glaci Zancan". This trophy celebrates women in science, just like Glaci Zancan.