Brazil Launches 22nd National Science and Technology Week with Focus on Ocean Culture and Climate Change
Brazil's 22nd National Science and Technology Week focuses on ocean culture and climate change, featuring nationwide events, major funding announcements, and community engagement.
- • The 22nd National Science and Technology Week began October 20-21 across Brazil with the theme ‘Planet Water: Ocean Culture to Face Climate Change in My Territory’.
- • Camaçari hosted opening events with workshops and lectures emphasizing marine ecosystems and sustainability.
- • Minister Luciana Santos announced R$100 million AI funding to protect children online during the Brasília events.
- • Bauru secured R$40,000 for regional activities including a Science Festival open to public.
- • Unesc’s 16th Science and Technology Week showcased over 730 scientific works focusing on marine pollution and climate change challenges.
Key details
Brazil officially launched the 22nd National Science and Technology Week (SNCT) on October 20-21, 2025, emphasizing the critical theme “Planet Water: Ocean Culture to Face Climate Change in My Territory.” The events spanned multiple regions including Camaçari in Bahia, Brasília, Bauru in São Paulo, and at the Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (Unesc) with rich programming designed to engage over 100,000 participants nationwide.
The opening ceremony in Camaçari, a coastal city with a 42-kilometer shoreline, featured workshops on sustainability, innovation, and ocean culture alongside an Underwater Robotics Showcase and discussion circles. Milton Sampaio delivered a keynote lecture highlighting the nexus of science, technology, local identity, and sustainability. Elisângela Reis from Bahia’s State Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation highlighted threats such as coastal erosion, calling for increased community awareness. Similarly, cultural integration with technology was stressed by local culture secretary Elci Freitas, highlighting development and sustainability efforts.
In Brasília, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation led the main events on the Esplanada dos Ministérios. Minister Luciana Santos announced R$100 million in public funding for artificial intelligence solutions aimed at protecting children and adolescents online, aligning with the Digital Child and Adolescent Statute’s new guidelines. Santos emphasized the imperative of creating safe digital spaces, stating, “Science is an ally in defending childhood.” The SNCT here includes international seminars with experts from Europe and the Americas, immersive science activities, and cultural performances, further reinforcing the goal of making science accessible and relevant to everyday life.
Meanwhile, Bauru kicked off its local SNCT activities on October 22 with R$40,000 in funding secured for regional programming. Activities extend to neighboring municipalities and culminate in the “Science Festival” featuring diverse local institutions.
At Unesc, the 16th Science and Technology Week began on October 20 with more than 730 works submitted and over 1,000 participants expected. President Gisele Silveira Coelho Lopes emphasized the university’s commitment to transformative science to tackle climate change impacts. Marine pollution and ocean modeling were core topics in keynote addresses, reflecting the interdisciplinary dialogue and sustainability focus.
Collectively, these events underscore the pivotal role of oceans in climate change discussions and Brazil’s broader commitment to scientific outreach, education, and innovation. The 2025 SNCT encourages public reflection on local and global water-related challenges, aiming to inspire youth and strengthen Brazil’s role ahead of hosting the World Ocean Conference in 2027.