Brazil Enhances Science Funding Amid Calls for Stable Investment and Innovation
Brazil boosts science funding with over R$7 million allocated to Amapá while experts call for stable national investment to bridge the gap between scientific output and innovation.
- • The Government of Amapá received R$7.2 million from FNDCT for science popularization programs.
- • Brazil invests 1.2% of GDP in science, aiming for 2% by 2034 under the national strategy.
- • 95% of Brazil's research occurs in public universities facing funding challenges.
- • Expert Fabrício Neves stresses the need for stable and predictable science funding to enhance innovation.
Key details
Brazil is advancing its commitment to science and technology with significant government funding initiatives and expert calls for more stable investment. The Government of Amapá recently secured R$7.2 million from the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT) to support popular science programs, including fairs, clubs, and scientific communication projects aimed at engaging diverse populations. This funding, supplemented by a state counterpart, totals approximately R$7.5 million and is managed by the Amapá State Research Support Foundation (Fapeap) in partnership with the State Secretariat for Science and Technology (Setec). Amapá's president of Fapeap, Gutemberg Silva, highlighted the state's ability to attract national resources and the importance of this support for local science development.
At the national level, Fabrício Neves, a public policy expert from the University of Brasília, underscored the critical need for continuous and predictable financing, noting that Brazil currently invests around 1.2% of its GDP in science, with a goal of reaching 2% by 2034. Despite ranking 13th worldwide in scientific publications, Brazil lags in innovation, positioned 52nd globally. Neves emphasized that 95% of research occurs in public universities, which face challenges due to recent budget cuts to key funding agencies such as Capes and CNPq. He identified Brazil’s scientific strengths in agro-science, health, renewable energy, biotechnology, and climate change, while pointing out shortcomings in advanced technology sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum tech.
Neves articulated that enhancing national capacities in emerging technological fields is vital for sovereignty, especially given Brazil's rich rare earth element reserves. He urged citizens to scrutinize political candidates’ commitments to science and advocate for policies that support sustainable investment to promote equity and reduce societal inequalities.
Together, these developments reflect Brazil's dual focus on fostering grassroots science engagement in states like Amapá and addressing strategic national challenges through policy and investment aimed at bolstering innovation.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
