By Pioneer Science | Published on September 14, 2026 | Last updated on September 14, 2026
Two Brazilian students have been selected to participate in a fully funded, two-month academic and research experience at the Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery at the Schoen Adams Research Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston, beginning in June 2027. In the two-week application window, the program received more than 200 applications from students across Brazil. The two selected participants will receive comprehensive financial support covering travel, housing, meals, health insurance, visa expenses, academic materials, and preparatory training.
The opportunity is part of Desbravadores Globais da DescobertA² “Global Trailblazers of Discovery”, a program developed through Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery at the Schoen Adams Research Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School and supported by Pioneer Science, an independent nonprofit initiative dedicated to advancing frontier scientific research and education in Brazil.
Created by Brazilian scientist Dr. Fabrisia Ambrosio, Director of the Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery at the Schoen Adams Research Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School, the program aims to expand access to world-class scientific environments for talented young Brazilians.
“For many students, the right opportunity can make all the difference,” said Ambrosio. “This program is built on the belief that talent and ambition should not be limited by circumstance. We want to help open doors for young people who may not otherwise have access to experiences like this and enable them to pursue their aspirations without limits.”
During their time in Boston, the students will join Dr. Ambrosio’s research group and gain firsthand exposure to research focused on musculoskeletal regeneration and recovery, including studies on muscle repair, aging, and responses to injury. They will also participate in scientific meetings, laboratory activities, and the daily research environment of a leading academic institution.
Prior to their arrival in the United States, participants will complete English-language training and mentorship activities designed to prepare them for the academic and cultural experience.
One of the selected students, José Alves, is a medical student whose academic journey has been shaped by opportunities that expanded access to advanced education and research.
“Being selected for this program is difficult to put into words,” Alves said. “It’s a mix of gratitude, pride, and excitement. Joining a laboratory connected to Harvard Medical School and learning from leading researchers is an extraordinary opportunity. It feels like reconnecting with a younger version of myself who dreamed of reaching places like this.”
The second participant, Liz Vasconcelos, an undergraduate chemistry education student, views the experience as an important step toward a future in science.
“I’ve always wanted to challenge myself and step beyond my comfort zone,” Vasconcelos said. “This opportunity represents much more than international travel. It’s a chance to grow as a scientist, broaden my perspective, and see how far education and curiosity can take you.”
For Dr. Ambrosio, the initiative reflects a deep personal commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists.
The program’s name, A², honors her father, Dr. Antonio Ambrosio, whose own academic journey was transformed by receiving support to pursue doctoral studies in the United States. Inspired by the impact international education had on her family, Dr. Ambrosio developed the program to help talented students gain exposure to scientific environments that can shape their future careers.
