Virgínia Sumbo, a lecturer at the Universidade Internacional do Cuanza (UNIC) and a researcher on the CLINICALSIM project, was one of the finalists in the Second Edition of the National Science and Innovation Award 2025 of Angola, a distinction promoted by the Foundation for Scientific and Technological Development (FUNDECIT), an institution linked to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESCTI).
Professor Sumba competed in the “Women Scientists” category, an award given to Angolan citizens, residing in the country or abroad, who stand out for their original scientific research of recognized value in different knowledge areas. This category aims to recognize, value, and inspire the participation of women in science, reinforcing the national commitment to promoting gender equality and advancing scientific knowledge in Angola.
The UNIC professor became a finalist for her work entitled “Characterization of the nutritional status of students at IMNE Marista in Luanda in the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic year.” The research, conducted with depth and methodological rigor, aims to assess the nutritional status of adolescents and young people of school age.
As the researcher explained, the study was carried out at the Marista Normal Education Institute (IMNE) due to financial constraints that prevented its expansion to other provinces in the country. “If I had had more resources, this work would have taken on a national dimension, allowing for the comparison of different realities and contributing more broadly to the formulation of public policies on nutrition and student health,” said Professor Sumba.
Even in the face of budgetary constraints, the work stood out for its originality, social relevance, and scientific rigor, demonstrating the professor’s commitment to producing knowledge that addresses the concrete needs of Angolan society. The research offers a solid and innovative database on the nutritional profile of Angolan students, contributing to future interventions in the areas of public health, nutrition, and food education.
At the International University of Cuanza, Professor Virgínia Kambani Sumba teaches Culinary Techniques and Gastronomy in the Bachelor’s Program in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Recognized for her dedication to teaching and scientific research, she has encouraged students to develop research projects that integrate science, food culture, and technological innovation, promoting a sustainable and inclusive vision of nutrition. The National Science and Innovation Award is a prestigious award promoted annually by FUNDECIT. For the UNIC academic community, Professor Sumba’s nomination is a source of pride and inspiration, highlighting the quality and impact of the research carried out at the institution.
