Paulo Carvão (ALI 2023) on the Maria Amalia Carvão Research Award

Paulo Carvão (ALI 2023) reflects on the personal and professional inspirations behind the Maria Amalia Carvão Award for Environmental Research. Honoring his late wife’s lifelong dedication to science, nature, and mentorship, Carvão shares how their shared Brazilian roots and commitment to education shaped the award’s focus on early-career scientists. He discusses the importance of access, diversity, and long-term impact, offering insight into how philanthropy can empower the next generation of environmental leaders.

Can you share how Maria Amalia Carvão’s values influenced the creation of this research award and why your family chose to focus on early-career scientists and environmental research? 

My late wife and I both grew up in Brazil, in middle-class families that focused on their kids’ education. Early on, she developed an interest in science, which led to a career as a physician, where she coupled her scientific prowess with a keen interest in listening and supporting others. She also had a profound interest in nature, the environment, and plants’ role in preserving a healthy planet. A science career path, the environment, and supporting early professionals came together naturally under environmental research.

How do you envision the award empowering young scientists and fostering innovation through the unique resources it provides? 

Talent is everywhere. However, not everyone has access to the resources to enable this talent to flourish. The Harvard Arnold Arboretum brings together a unique combination of a world-class living collection, research facilities, a dedicated library, and archives, all housed in a beautiful open-access free public park. We intend the award to act as a bridge between talent and these resources.  

How does your professional background, including your leadership in diversity and technology, shape your vision for supporting researchers and advancing environmental science? 

I had a career in business and technology, and I believe in science for good. I also believe in diversity of talent and equality of opportunity while recognizing that not everybody comes from the same circumstances. I was given opportunities to fulfill my ultimate potential and have the privilege to mentor several from diverse backgrounds in their quest for excellence. Research is about creativity (and a lot of hard work!). Creativity benefits from diversity. It is a direct correlation.

What do you hope will be the long-term impact of this award on the recipients’ careers, their fields of study, and the broader scientific community? 

Early career scientists are still exploring options. Therefore, if their work at the Arboretum can help reaffirm their passion for the field, we have taken the first step. This is an award in perpetuity, meaning that we will have an early career scientist every year. Over time, I hope the award can represent a small contribution to the community of biologists, botanists, and environmentalists who will be helping us better understand, nurture, and preserve our plant species and how we interact with them.  

I encourage younger scientists from around the globe to apply. Dream big, follow your dreams, work hard, and make an impact. For those considering philanthropy, education is the foundation for everything: from civics to science. There is no better place to make a lasting impact than investing in those researching and building our future.