Brazil Advances Scientific Talent Development Through Education and Government Programs

Brazil is making significant strides in nurturing its scientific talent through educational initiatives at the municipal level and robust government programs aimed at technological sovereignty. This dual approach reflects the country’s dedication to strengthening its national scientific base and reducing dependence on external resources.

In November 2025, students from Brazil's Municipal Education Network participated in the 4th Science, Technology, and Innovation Fair hosted at the UFSM - Campus Cachoeira do Sul. The event showcased 130 projects from public and private schools and universities, with 32 projects classified for final presentation. It featured two participation levels: a basic level for elementary students and a higher level for undergraduates and graduate students. Among the acclaimed projects were "Wind Energy: when the wind moves the city" and "Community Knowledge of Medicinal Plants," highlighting strong engagement in renewable energy and traditional knowledge sectors. Top projects were invited to publish in the Journal of Exact Sciences and Technological Applications (JESTA), fostering further academic development.

Parallel to this, the Brazilian government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), is investing heavily in programs like Conhecimento Brasil, which supports the attraction of researchers back to Brazil. The initiative, backed by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT), has approved 599 projects and allocated R$ 604 million in funding, targeting underfunded regions and strengthening research infrastructure. More than 2,500 researchers have expressed interest in returning or collaborating nationally, benefiting from scholarships and mobility programs that integrate international expertise with domestic scientific goals.

Physicist Deyvid do Carmo Silva credits such programs for his academic growth, underscoring the importance of public investment in talent formation from undergraduate to post-doctorate levels. Minister Luciana Santos emphasized that sustained investments and consistent policies are crucial to achieving technological sovereignty, which is central to Brazil’s economic and social autonomy.

These efforts exemplify Brazil's commitment to fostering a vibrant scientific ecosystem by encouraging innovation at all educational levels and providing stable, significant funding to build long-term capabilities.