Brazil Advances Scientific Popularization with R$300 Million State Support Program and International Collaboration
Brazil ramps up scientific outreach with a R$300 million state-level funding program and highlights international collaboration through FSA’s community-driven projects.
- • CNPq announces R$300 million investment in scientific popularization across all Brazilian states and the Federal District.
- • Each state guaranteed a minimum of R$5.55 million for science outreach, contingent on local matching contributions.
- • Funding allocated to infrastructure, education, science centers, public communication, and tailored state initiatives.
- • FSA participated in an international science event showcasing community-engineering projects and promoting academic mobility.
- • Projects like EnergyStep and low-cost drip irrigation illustrate the impact of university extension programs on local needs.
Key details
The National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) has announced the preliminary results of its Scientific Popularization Support Program, signaling a major investment in Brazil's science outreach. With a total of R$300 million to be allocated in at least three installments, the initiative is poised to strengthen scientific popularization efforts across all 26 states and the Federal District. Each participating state will receive no less than R$5.55 million, provided they contribute financially alongside their respective research foundations or secretariats. Funding is structured around thematic axes including infrastructure and innovation (20%), education and scientific projects (20%), science centers and museums (30%), public science communication (10%), and bespoke actions defined by states (20%).
This program enables states to set thematic priorities tailored to their unique contexts. Proposals were submitted by state secretariats and research support foundations, and they will be responsible for further public calls to support local scientific outreach efforts.
Complementing this domestic investment, the Centro Universitário Fundação Santo André (FSA) underscored Brazil's scientific engagement on an international scale by participating in the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Global South. Held on September 16 and organized with TEINCO and UNIPAM, the event highlighted the significance of international cooperation in advancing science and technology for sustainable development.
Professor Mayra Coan Lago, FSA’s International Relations Coordinator, showcased community-focused engineering extension projects such as EnergyStep—a floor that generates energy from human movement—and a low-cost drip irrigation system. These projects, part of FSA’s 450 curricular extension actions, reflect how academic research can address local community needs. FSA’s participation also emphasized the importance of academic mobility programs like eMOVIES, which promote student engagement with institutions abroad through virtual exchanges.
Together, the CNPq's robust funding framework and FSA's international outreach exemplify Brazil's commitment to broadening science popularization, fostering innovation, and strengthening global scientific ties.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
