Maria Soledad Aronna was recognized in the "Young Talent" category in an award organized by SBM, IMPA, and MCTI
Soledad: "I see mathematics as a powerful tool to solve real and urgent societal issues" | Photo: Solange Marcon/SBM
When Professor Maria Soledad Aronna decided to settle in Rio de Janeiro in 2014 to begin a postdoctoral position at the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA), she had already overcome many academic and geographical challenges, having passed through prestigious universities in Europe. However, it was here in Brazil that Soledad faced the low representation of women in science more intensely, especially in a country with so much potential and talent.
This context makes the recognition of the researcher with the "Women in Mathematics" Award, offered by the Brazilian Mathematical Society (SBM), IMPA, and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), even more significant. The award was presented on October 2 in Maringá (PR) during the 1st SBM Workshop on Women in Mathematics, held at the State University of Maringá (UEM). She received the award in the "Young Talent" category, which recognizes researchers for their outstanding contributions. "It was an immense joy to receive a phone call from Jaqueline Mesquita, President of SBM, informing me that I had been chosen", recalls the professor.
Since 2015, Soledad has been a professor at the School of Applied Mathematics at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV EMAp). Aware of the challenges women face in STEM fields, she approached the institution’s Director, César Camacho, with a proposal to increase female representation in the area. The result was the creation of the Marília Chaves Peixoto Chair in 2023, now in its second edition, offering a postdoctoral position exclusively for women.
The low representation of women in Brazilian science led Maria Soledad to create the Marília Chaves Peixoto Chair, aimed at encouraging the presence of women in mathematics | Photo: Solange Marcon/SBM
"We know that talent is equally distributed between genders, and that's why we seek to attract talented women, offering them an environment with the necessary resources to develop high-quality research and gain visibility in the academic scene", she argues.
According to the professor, many female students have impressive ideas but often hesitate to express themselves and share their thoughts in class. "Sometimes, they only come to talk to me after class, when the room is already empty. This is something I rarely see among the boys", Soledad observes. "That's why I always encourage them to trust their ideas and not be afraid of failure. Making mistakes is part of learning, and it's essential to allow yourself that", she adds.
Moreover, Soledad encourages her female students to seek support from peers and teachers. In this regard, FGV EMAp supports a group, organized by the student council, exclusively for female students, which functions not only as an academic space but also as an environment of mutual support.
"It is important for women to remain present and active in careers like mathematics, computing, and statistics, which are increasingly in demand across various sectors, competing on an equal footing. We have all the capabilities to excel", the professor states.
Currently, the researcher is dedicated to optimal control and dynamic systems modeling, focusing on practical problems that directly impact society, such as optimizing control strategies in epidemics.
Soledad has a vast portfolio of impactful research, ranging from the optimization of epidemiological systems to control problems with uncertainty | Photo: Solange Marcon/SBM
Journey
Maria Soledad Aronna discovered her talent for mathematics during her primary education in Rosario, Argentina. At the age of 12, two of her teachers recognized her natural aptitude for the subject and encouraged her to participate in the Math Olympiads. This support was pivotal, and Soledad began to stand out in the competitions, winning awards and strengthening her connection with the world of numbers.
When she entered a technical school, equivalent to high school in Brazil, her path gained new momentum. For five years, Soledad deepened her knowledge in mathematics under the guidance of a coach, a medalist from the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), who was hired to assist her with her studies.
Naturally, Soledad chose to pursue a bachelor's degree in mathematics at the National University of Rosario, where she also began her PhD. Initially reluctant to accept invitations to study abroad due to her desire to stay in Argentina, she eventually accepted an opportunity at the prestigious École Polytechnique in France, where she completed her doctorate.
In February of this year, the researcher was one of the recipients of the "Young Woman Scientist" award from the Rio de Janeiro State Research Support Foundation (FAPERJ) | Photo: Solange Marcon/SBM
Additionally, she was awarded the Marie Curie Fellowship, part of a European Union project, which allowed her to spend one year in Italy and six months in London. Her move to Brazil occurred in 2014 through an excellence scholarship offered by IMPA. Shortly after, encouraged by colleagues from France who were working in Brazil, she participated in the selection process at FGV and was then selected.
Currently, Soledad is a leading specialist in the fields of Optimal Control and Mathematical Biology. She has made significant advancements in optimality conditions and exceptional contributions to epidemiological modeling. In Optimal Control, her main contributions include new optimality conditions that ensure, in particular, the convergence and stability of associated algorithms. Regarding Mathematical Biology, Soledad has contributed with original models that provided new insights into practical problems in areas such as COVID-19 dynamics, vaccination protocols, and biological control strategies for insects.
In Rio de Janeiro, Soledad not only consolidated her career as a respected professional but also had the chance to begin a special chapter of her life. Mathematics, which had already led her to academic success, also led her to love when she reunited with her former coach from Argentina. The result? A family united not only by affection but also by a shared passion for mathematics.