Brazil Advances Science Education and Career Advocacy in Technology Sector
Brazil launches a free bachelor’s program in science and technology while HFSE workers intensify efforts for career transition legislation in the sector.
- • Ilum Escola de Ciência offers a free Bachelor’s degree with extensive student support, accepting applications until December 15, 2026.
- • 250 candidates will be selected via Enem scores for January 2026 interviews.
- • HFSE workers hold assembly pushing for approval of PL 3.102/2022 to transition careers into Science and Technology.
- • Sindsprev-RJ leaders stress the urgency and low financial impact of the bill and call for increased individual and union engagement.
Key details
Ilum Escola de Ciência, part of the National Center for Energy and Materials Research (CNPEM), is currently accepting applications for its Bachelor's degree in Science and Technology until December 15, 2026. This unique, free three-year interdisciplinary program offers students housing, food, transportation, personal computers, English classes, and psychological support. It aims to provide a solid foundation in scientific training coupled with practical research experience, utilizing top-tier infrastructure at the CNPEM campus in Campinas, São Paulo. Prospective students are selected through their Enem scores, with 250 candidates advancing to individual interviews held remotely in January 2026.
Simultaneously, workers from the Hospital Federal dos Servidores (HFSE) continue their advocacy for career advancement within the Science and Technology field. On December 8, an assembly discussed Project Law No. 3.102/2022, which seeks to ease their transition into science and technology careers. After the bill was temporarily removed from the voting agenda, renewed lobbying efforts led to its reinstatement. Sindsprev-RJ leader Cristiane Gerardo stressed the urgency of approving the bill to improve the currently unfavorable career outlook, stating, "We are the worst career in the Executive and need to change this scenario to secure our future." The financial impact of the bill is estimated at R$ 13 million per month, considered negligible by the advocates. The bill’s passage would require a swift presidential decision. The workers, some transitioning to the Brazilian Hospital Services Company, are intensifying mobilization efforts. Sindsprev-RJ leader Carla Leticia Barbedo de Oliveira urged all workers to engage individually and strengthen union participation to boost the movement's visibility.
Together, these developments mark significant progress in supporting science education and workforce career pathways within Brazil's science and technology sector.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.