Recife, October 16, 2025 – In a ceremony that marked the strengthening of Franco-Brazilian scientific relations, two important academic figures from Pernambuco received decorations from the French government at an event held at the Malakoff Tower. The French ambassador to Brazil, Emmanuel Lenain, presented the insignia to the vice-rector of UFPE, Professor Moacyr Cunha de Araújo Filho, and to UFRPE professor and scientific director of Facepe, Flávia Lucena Frédou.
Moacyr Araújo: Knight of the National Order of Merit
The vice-chancellor of UFPE and coordinator of Rede Clima received the insignia of Knight of the National Order of Merit, one of France’s highest distinctions, awarded by decree of President Emmanuel Macron. The honor recognizes his contribution to international scientific cooperation and the impact of his research in oceanography and climate change.
“For me, it’s a very special day because it represents my trajectory,” said Professor Moacyr, visibly moved. “This recognition has everything to do with what I’ve been able to do outside UFPE, but also a lot within it. It’s an honor for the Federal University of Pernambuco, which I’ve always been very proud to represent internationally.”
Flávia Lucena: Academic Commendation
Professor Flávia Lucena, coordinator of the Bioimpact Laboratory, was awarded the Order of Academic Palms, an honor created by Napoleon Bonaparte that recognizes individuals who excel in promoting French education, science, and culture around the world.
“This medal is recognition of my personal and professional history with France,” said Flávia Lucena. “A long-term cooperation that began with science and progressed greatly in human resources training, evolving into scientific dissemination, as we can see in the Terra-Mar Project.”
Legacy and International Recognition
The awards represent a milestone for science in Pernambuco and Brazil, highlighting:
- The excellence of Franco-Brazilian scientific cooperation on ocean and climate issues
- The strategic role of Pernambuco in international environmental research
- The impact of local institutions (UFPE, UFRPE, Facepe) on the global stage
- The success of initiatives such as Rede Clima and Laboratório Bioimpact
For the academic community, these honors reinforce the commitment to scientific production with global impact and consolidate Pernambuco as a center of excellence in research on sustainability and climate change.
Sources:
Bioimpact Laboratory: https://bioimpact.wixsite.com/bioimpact
Cover photo: Brenda Alcântara.
