WNA AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTION TO
THE PEACEFUL USE OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY TO WIN

DR CONSTANCIA PAGANO (Brazil)
As director of the Radiopharmacy Centre at the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute in Sao Paolo, she is a noted expert on the production and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals and the application of radioisotopes in medicine.

Good morning. Thanks to the pioneering work of great scientists such as Marie Curie, discovery of radium, and Lisa Meitner, contribution to the demonstration of nuclear fusion, females have always had a close association with the nuclear field. The reality, however, is that the nuclear professions have been male-dominated, and it is only through constant effort that, little by little, women have taken more control and responsibility in this area. Due to my own determination firmness, I have received in my country, Brazil, awards and distinctions that recognise the important work women have done in the field of radioisotope production and radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine.

Today, I am happy to be accepting an award from a global organisation, the World Nuclear Association. Sensitivity, emotion, intuition, organisation - feminine characteristics - are important components in the science world, and because of this, more incentive mechanisms should be created for female participation in nuclear institutions.

Finally I say that
the woman was made from a man’s rib
not from his feet to walked on
neither of the head to be superior
but from his side to be his equal.

Thank you very much. Thank also to the International Atomic Energy Agency, to my country, to Ipen, and local Brazilian Energy Commission.

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