PROCC celebrates Claudio Struchiner's trajectory and milestones of Scientific Computing at Fiocruz
In a relaxed atmosphere, retired Fiocruz researcher and currently Professor at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), Claudio Struchiner, one of the founders of the Scientific Computing Program (PROCC), was honored by colleagues, friends, students and former students on May 15 at the National School of Public Health (Ensp).
At the opening, the special advisor to the Vice Presidency of Education, Information and Communication (VPEIC), Maria Cristina Guilam, alongside the PROCC coordinator, Ernesto Caffarena, and the program's researcher responsible for the event, Cláudia Codeço, welcomed the more than 50 participants and the honoree.
Conversation Circle on the History of Scientific Computing at Fiocruz
Next, in a conversation circle, the coordinator of the Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS) and former president of Fiocruz, Carlos Morel, senior technologist at the Brazilian Center for Physical Research (CBPF) and former manager of the National Laboratory of Scientific Computing (LNCC) Flavio Toledo, PROCC researcher Oswaldo G. Cruz, and researcher from the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI), Ronaldo Ismério, joined Claudio Struchiner to share memorable moments from Fiocruz's history and the History of Scientific Computing at the Foundation, during its technological transition and the arrival of the Internet in the country.
Claudio Struchiner's Trajectory at Fiocruz
During the hybrid event, the speakers recalled memorable moments from Fiocruz and Rio de Janeiro, including cases from Fiocruz's Scientific Computing Program. Claudio spoke about his work at Fiocruz since the 1980s and 1990s and his concern in systematize the Foundation's scientific computing for integration into the global computer network that was consolidating at the time. He also addressed the process of creating PROCC and how it has always been conceived as a horizontal space for research, innovation, education and free thinking.
Partnership with LNCC in the founding of PROCC
Flavio Toledo highlighted the importance of inter-institutional articulation in the creation of what is now known as PROCC. "The approach of Fiocruz to LNCC was intensified during Morel's administration. And what would become a small LNCC emerged, which today is PROCC."
"I was president at the time and signed the document so that we could obtain all the necessary infrastructure and convinced Claudio to return," Carlos Morel said. He explained that, at the time, Claudio had left Fiocruz, but the president of Fiocruz recognized how important the area of scientific computing would be for the institution's infrastructure.
Fiocruz's Scientific Computing Program
"When we created PROCC at Fiocruz, we did something unprecedented," said Claudio. At that time, the researcher went to the Institute of Biophysics at UFRJ to create a more robust computing system in Rio de Janeiro with the university. "That's when I met Ernesto, who was doing his postdoc at UFRJ," Struchiner said.
"In May 1995, we launched PROCC. It was a period of immense richness, including for Fiocruz's future network," said Ronaldo Ismério. Currently, the program is 29 years old. "And today Ernesto is the coordinator of PROCC," Ronaldo highlighted.
Innovation and Development of PROCC Over the Years
The researcher from Ensp, Arlindo Fábio Gómez de Sousa, who was online during the event, also spoke about the history of PROCC. "There was no shortage of difficulties and doubts. Claudio's work was also a politically pacifying element. Today we face the challenge of artificial intelligence as a continuation of innovation within Fiocruz and PROCC itself," Arlindo commented.
Female Contribution to PROCC
Then, the group opened the discussion for a debate in which the importance of female participation in PROCC was raised. Researcher Marília Sá Carvalho commented: “Well, I’m going to make a provocation. Why are there only men at the table? We currently have some women in PROCC, like Cláudia Codeço, Alexandra Almeida and me.” She explained that it is necessary to encourage the participation of more women and that the program can motivate more women to work in the area of scientific computing.
Honorific Plaque for Researcher Claudio Struchiner
Finally, the group currently working at PROCC gathered in front of the room to present Claudio Struchiner with an honorific plaque on behalf of the Foundation in recognition of all the work dedicated over the years to research and teaching at the Foundation and for the academic legacy created in the Scientific Computing Program.