Nationality: Brazilian
Academy Affiliation: Brazilian Academy of Sciences
Academy Country: Brazil
Field: Biomedical scientist with internationally recognized expertise in glycobiology. Her work has significantly advanced understanding in areas such as: blood coagulation; angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels); cell adhesion; and cancer biology.

NOMINATED FOR: Co-Chair Low- and Middle-Income Country (LMIC);
TERM: Candidate has previously served on a different IAP leadership position

DESCRIPTION OF INVOLVEMENT IN THE ACADEMY'S ACTIVITIES OR IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS:
Helena Nader is serving her second term as Co-Chair of IANAS and has been a tireless advocate for strengthening scientific and technological capacity in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as for enhancing North-South and South-South cooperation. As President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, she has played a key role in supporting IANAS and ensuring the continuity of its work. In a context marked by political hostility toward science, technology, and education across several countries in the region, Helena Nader’s leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing the region’s Science Academies to stand in solidarity with scientific communities under threat, to defend democracy, and advocate against denialism and obscurantism. A distinguished researcher, Helena Nader has consistently shown that it is possible to pursue excellence in science while maintaining a deep commitment to civic responsibility. Through her efforts, she aims to improve living conditions and foster a more just and inclusive society. She has served as a role model for younger generations of scientists in Brazil and beyond, inspiring them to engage with society. Her leadership has been central to uniting Science Academies across the Americas around common goals, always emphasizing that the benefits of science and technology must be accessible to all.

EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES IN AN IAP,NATIONAL ACADEMY OR OTHER SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATION'S GOVERNING BODY:
President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and TWAS Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean. Co-Chair of the Inter-American Network of Academies of Sciences – IANAS (2019-2022, 2022-2025); member of the Advisory Committee of IAP (2022-2025). ISC Governing Board member (2021-2025) and ISC Fellow. ANSO Governing Board member (2022-2023) and Vice-President (2023-2025). Current member of the Strategic Committee of the Science Panel for the Amazon. Member of TWAS and the Latin American Academy of Sciences. First women Pro-Rector of Undergraduate Education and Pro-Rector of Research and Graduate Programs of the Federal University of São Paulo.
Served on multiple national science and education councils and received numerous national and international honors. Former President, Vice-President, and current Honorary President of the Brazilian Society for the Advancement of Science (SBPC). Former President of the Brazilian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2007-2008).