Smart, dedicated and an excellent researcher

"Because she is the best scientist that I know. She is smart, dedicated, proactive and help ALL of us in our lab. She helps to organize and manage the lab."

Nominated by Louise Vitorino, Neuropatologia Experimental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Kind, competent, determined

"Raquel is someone who’s always in a good mood, calm, and impeccably organized — she never seems rushed or overwhelmed. She approaches every challenge with patience and kindness, bringing a sense of harmony to the lab. Even in the face of science’s inevitable “no’s,” she never loses her determination or optimism. Raquel reminds us every day that perseverance and grace can coexist."

Nominated by Gabriela Maciel, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Brazil

 

Hardworking, organized, clever

"Raquel is a very dedicated scientist, with hands on abilities and also great knowledge of scientific communication. She promotes tons of events for her peers, and is involved in several projects, techniques and papers."

Nominated by Raíssa Aguiar, IBBCF, UFRJ, Brazil

 

essential, didactic, reliable

"I want to name this person because, in my daily routine, they’ve become an important reference in the lab. Giving them this name is my way of recognizing how much they contribute, support, teach, or inspire within our workspace. It’s a simple and kind way to highlight the role they play in the routine and in the functioning of our Lab."

Nominated by Julia Alves, Laboratório de Neuropatologia Experimental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Always willing to help

"An amazing person, always willing to help whenever she can, a great teacher, funny, empathetic, and when she is around, everything feels lighter."

Nominated by Anielle Oliveira, Laboratório de Neuropatologia Experimental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

She is amazing

"Raquel is amazing. She always supports the students and helps the PIs. She is so funny and works a lot every day, even in the weekends."

Nominated by Luzia Sampaio, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Dedicated, helpful, inspiring

"Raquel has been a notorious member of our academic community. Despite all struggles that the scientific career poses to a third-world woman, she never ceases to inspire people around her to pursue science and stimulate everyone around her to be their best version, teaching us about ethics, science, dedication and all beauties hidden in the brain."

Nominated by Andrey Aguiar, Rehen's Lab, D'or Institute of Education and Research, Brazil

 

Confident, efficient, accountable

"Dr. Raquel is very important in the lab. She makes all the things happen with her fantastic capacity of management."

Nominated by Danillo Dantas, Laboratório de Neuropatologia Experimental/ IBCCF, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

 

Proactive, inspiring, kind

"She is an amazing and inspiring scientist."

Nominated by Marian Chauvet, Lourenco Lab, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Efficient, prepared, intelligent

"She is a very fruitful researcher, independent, intelligent, gentle and helpful! Her work is of a high standard."

Nominated by Silvana Allodi, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Dedicated, curious, leader

"Raquel Campos is a promising young researcher who inspires many women in our University. She has, in many occasions, provided training and advisory that went beyond her obligations, showing her commitment to improve the community regardless of credits. She has also consistently shown interest in others research, contributing with pertinent suggestions and often aiding in finding the strategies necessary to achieve such goals. Raquel's experience and dedication have impacted my projects, be it in providing new perspectives on existing data or aiding in training my students. She is certainly very close to a definitive position as a PI, and granting her this award would be a step in that direction."

Nominated by Belisa Parmeggiani, Inborn Errors Lab / Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Gentil, corajosa, inspiradora (Kind, courageous, inspiring)

"Raquel é uma parceira de bancada, excelente professora e ótima colaboradora, ensinando e pesquisando com paciência e gentileza. (Raquel is a great colleague, an excellent teacher, and a wonderful collaborator, teaching and researching with patience and kindness)"

Nominated by Fabiana da Silva, Laboratório Intermediário de Neuroimunologia, UFRJ, Brasil

 

Intelligent, caring, proactive

"In my years working with Raquel, I always saw her being loving with students and lab mates. Very proactive and always ready to help in anyway she can. She deserves a lot"

Nominated by Luciana Conde, Lab Emerging Viruses, Yale, US

 

Dedicated, inspiring, generous

"I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Raquel Maria Pereira Campos since 2019, when she joined our research group at the Experimental Neuropathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro as a postdoctoral researcher. From the very beginning, Raquel distinguished herself as a talented, dedicated, and deeply motivated scientist whose curiosity and commitment have had a lasting and transformative impact on our laboratory. Raquel works with a truly multidisciplinary perspective, combining biochemical, behavioral, and morphological approaches to investigate neuroinflammation in experimental models of chronic neuropathic pain. She also contributes to several other projects in the laboratory, offering thoughtful insights and actively supporting their execution. Beyond her technical and scientific contributions, Raquel has become a central pillar of our laboratory’s culture. She is exceptionally generous with her time and knowledge, always ready to mentor students, discuss experimental strategies, or help troubleshoot difficult problems. Her combination of scientific rigor, patience, and genuine care for younger researchers has created a supportive and inspiring atmosphere for the next generation of scientists. Several students she supervises or mentors have expressed how her guidance has shaped not only their scientific skills but also their confidence and enthusiasm for research. Raquel is a researcher whose influence extends far beyond her own projects and whose energy and collaborative spirit motivate the entire team. She strengthens our scientific community through mentorship, teamwork, and dedication to advancing knowledge. It is a pleasure to recognize her contributions and the positive, lasting impact she continues to have on our laboratory and on all who work with her."

Nominated by Pedro Pimentel-Coelho, Experimental Neuropathology Lab, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Smart, dedicated, collaborative

"I have known Raquel since 2016, when we were PhD students together. She is a young scientist who is very dedicated, smart, and collaborative, always ready to help anyone in the lab. Raquel has extensive experience with several techniques and across different subjects, supervising many students, assisting in writing projects, and managing the lab. She is an amazing friend and a fabulous scientist. She is, for sure, my lab hero!"

Nominated by Alinny Isaac, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Proactive, ethical, collaborative

"Raquel is a great person to work with, she is the most dedicated and she always helps other people solve their problems in the lab. She is an amazing person to collaborate with due to her hard work and ethical attitude. She works very hard and still manages to achieve great collaborations. She is a proactive and influential member of her laboratory and institute."

Nominated by Marina Chichierchio, Instituto de Biquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, UFRJ, Brazil

 

Dedicated, organized, likes to help

"It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Raquel as my Lab hero. She is a phenomenal scientist, embodying all the essential qualities that define excellence in research. Hardworking, dedicated, highly organized, and exceptionally intelligent, Raquel consistently demonstrates sharp insights and an unwavering commitment to scientific rigor. Beyond her remarkable technical expertise, Raquel possesses invaluable soft skills that make her truly unparalleled as a scientist. She is an inspiring teacher who shares her knowledge generously, always eager to help others and guide them toward success. Her ability to find clear and practical solutions to complex problems sets her apart as both a researcher and a mentor. Having Raquel on the team is an extraordinary asset. Her presence elevates everyone around her, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives and growth is shared. With Raquel, science advances not only through her own contributions but also through the collective progress she inspires in her colleagues."

Nominated by Bruna Ferreira, IBqM, UFRJ, Brazil

 

Dedicated, innovative, collaborative

"Nominating Raquel Campos for the Lab Hero Prize is a decision grounded in her consistent demonstration of dedication, innovation, and collaboration. Raquel exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond her role as a postdoc. Her dedication is evident in her tireless work ethic and willingness to tackle challenges that extend beyond her immediate responsibilities. She often takes the initiative to identify problems within our research projects and seeks effective solutions, ensuring that the lab operates smoothly and efficiently. Raquel’s innovative approach to research has led to significant advancements in our understanding of complex topics, showcasing her ability to think critically and creatively. She is not just focused on her own work; she actively seeks to improve lab protocols and methodologies, benefiting the entire team. Furthermore, her collaborative spirit fosters a positive and productive environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to contribute. Raquel regularly organizes brainstorming sessions and workshops, encouraging open communication and the sharing of ideas, which enhances the collective knowledge of the lab. Her ability to mentor junior researchers and students further exemplifies her commitment to the growth of others, making her an invaluable asset to our community. In light of these qualities, Raquel Campos is not only deserving of recognition but also serves as an inspirational figure in her lab, motivating everyone around her to strive for excellence. Recognizing her contributions through the Lab Hero Prize would not only honor her hard work but also highlight the importance of collaboration and innovation in scientific research."

Nominated by Emanuelle Vasconcellos de Lima, Clarke Lab / Biomedical Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Kind, brilliant, inspiring

"I am nominating Raquel Campos because she embodies the rare blend of kindness, intelligence, and quiet strength that transforms a work environment from functional to truly inspiring. She approaches challenges with clarity and curiosity, uplifting everyone around her through thoughtful guidance and genuine collaboration. Her leadership is not loud; it’s the steady force that encourages others to grow, to question, and to care about the details that matter. As a scientist and as a woman in the laboratory space, she opens doors simply by walking through them with integrity and grace. She brings humanity into technical spaces, celebrates collective success, and supports those around her with empathy that never feels performative. Her presence makes the lab better, not just in productivity, but in the human side of the lab. For all of this, and for the many small acts of generosity that rarely make it into award descriptions, she is someone who truly deserves to be recognized as a Lab Hero."

Nominated by Rafaella Ferreira, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil