Acre and São Paulo Boost Science and Innovation Through Key Initiatives and Events

Government and educational initiatives in Acre and São Paulo promote scientific engagement, climate action, and inclusion in STEM fields through congresses and projects.

    Key details

  • • The 10th Science and Technology Congress in Acre focused on AI and climate change, featuring 400+ scientific works.
  • • Rio Branco presented its 2nd Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory using AI for climate strategy.
  • • Projeto Atena in São Paulo engaged 24 high school girls in hands-on STEM activities to boost female participation.
  • • Officials emphasized collaboration among government, academia, and society for sustainable innovation.

The State Government of Acre, alongside the Prefeitura de Rio Branco and educational institutions in São Paulo, has been actively promoting science, technology, and innovation through various effective programs and events. The 10th Congress of Science and Technology, held at the Federal Institute of Acre (IFAC) from December 9 to 11, focused on "Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change: Inclusive Solutions for a Transforming Planet." This event showcased over 400 scientific papers and included lectures, workshops, and debates, highlighting the importance of integrating government, academia, and society for sustainable development. The Acre Secretary of Industry, Science and Technology, Assurbanípal Mesquita, emphasized the significant progress made in science and innovation due to public policies and collaboration, while IFAC's rector, Fábio Storch, underscored the congress's role in scientific dissemination and quality education.

Concurrently, the municipality of Rio Branco presented its 2nd Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. Utilizing artificial intelligence for data analysis, the inventory aims to support evidence-based climate action and is publicly accessible through the Portal Guardião Ambiental. Aline Martins, head of Environmental Management, noted the critical collaboration between science and public management in advancing the city's climate agenda.

In São Paulo, Projeto Atena, a program to encourage young women's participation in science and engineering, concluded its 2025 edition. Conducted in partnership with USP and involving 24 high school students, the project provided hands-on materials science activities, lectures, and university experiences to bridge the gap between public schooling and higher education. Professor Elaine Russi highlighted the initiative's success in fostering female engagement in STEM fields. Student Laura Lopes expressed renewed motivation, inspired by the practical and educational experiences.

This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.