In Oriximiná, state school students win the UFOPA Science and Technology Fair
Students from the Padre José Nicolino de Souza State High School took the top spots with environmental and technological projects
The Padre José Nicolino de Souza State High School, located in the municipality of Oriximiná, stood out at the 1st Municipal Science and Technology Fair (FEMCOR), promoted by the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), on September 26 and 27. The educational institution secured the top positions in different categories with innovative projects that connect science, sustainability, and the Amazonian reality.
The students developed works recognized for their social, environmental, and cultural impact, winning first place in the categories: “Health Sciences - The Impacts of Water Pollution on the Biodiversity of Amazon Rivers, a Local Perspective”; in “Engineering - Photosynthetic Ink with Natural Pigments from the Amazon”; “Domingos Diniz Award – Intelligent Paper from Amazon Biomass and From Waste to Innovation: A Sustainable Solution Born from the Açaí Seed”; and 3rd place in “Culture and Memory – Cultural Wealth of Oriximiná: Preserving Local Memories and Traditions for the Future.” The participating students were under the guidance of teacher Andreza Maria Santos de Oliveira, with the support of director Josué de Souza Feijão.
In addition to the awards, three teams were granted Junior Scientific Initiation (ICJ) scholarships to promote the continuation of their research. The projects are also already approved for participation in the 8th Science and Educational Technologies Fair of the Lower Amazon-Pará Mesoregion 2025, in the Lower Amazon, and at the Maranhão Scientific Literacy Fair (FEMALEC), in São Luís (MA), in December 2025.
The students highlighted that their works unite science, innovation, and social commitment. “Our study shows how water pollution directly affects the Trombetas River and the biodiversity of the Amazon. We want to contribute to environmental solutions in the region,” stated Marcos Vinicius Santos, author of two award-winning projects.
Student Lilian Grabriella Oliveira, winner of the Domingos Diniz Award, emphasized, “Reusing the seed and pulp of açaí is a way to transform waste into sustainable products, reduce environmental impacts, and create opportunities for the community.”
FEMCOR is organized by professors and students from UFOPA, with support from partner institutions and funding from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and CNPq.
