Brazil’s 2026 National Week of Science and Technology Sparks Nationwide Engagement and Innovation

The 2026 National Week of Science and Technology (Semana Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - SNCT) is underway across Brazil, running from October 26 to November 1, with a series of events designed to bring science closer to everyday life. Established in 2004, the week serves as a platform for public scientific outreach, education, and innovation, uniting students, researchers, educators, and the broader community.

The official theme for 2026, “Ciência Delas,” celebrates the achievements of women in Brazilian science. Josiane Kunzler from Museu da Vida Fiocruz highlighted how the event engages school communities with health science and technology through various formats including workshops and exhibitions across states such as Amazonas, Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro. Carolina Okimoto of the Instituto Federal de São Paulo praised the quality and creativity of student projects emphasizing female leadership in science, noting the strong teamwork involved.

Complementing the national activities, regional initiatives add richness to the Week’s programming. In João Pessoa, from December 2 to 4, the Federal University of Paraíba will host a free science and technology event featuring lectures, exhibitions, and interactive workshops on themes like artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainability, and technological education. This initiative aims to promote scientific knowledge dissemination and inspire children and youth to engage in science.

Similarly, Santo André held a Municipal Week featuring a project showcase on September 28, involving universities, technical schools, startups, and companies presenting advancements in AI, robotics, and citizen science. Secretary Evandro Banzato stressed the event’s role in fostering local innovation and strengthening connections between academia and society through workshops and panels at the David Cohen Innovation Center.

Recognition of scientific outreach efforts also stands out this year. The Clube de Ciência at IFRN’s Natal-Central campus earned a remarkable 9.70 score in the Prêmio POP Ciência 2026, underscoring its impact in popularizing science and advancing scientific literacy in public education. Professor Amadeu Albino attributed this achievement to the dedication of students, volunteers, and faculty committed to making science accessible.

Educational projects like Piauí’s BioMídias also integrate science with media literacy and local environmental issues, engaging over 200 high school students in producing videos and podcasts on biodiversity and waste management. This approach bridges scientific knowledge with community realities while honing students’ critical evaluation skills.

Overall, the 2026 National Week of Science and Technology exemplifies Brazil's vibrant commitment to science engagement, diversity, and innovation, offering both in-person and online opportunities to connect science with society and empower the next generation of researchers and innovators.