Brazil's Ministry of Science Authorizes International Missions to Boost Cooperation in AI, Digital Sovereignty, and Meteorology
Brazil's Ministry of Science has approved international missions for researchers to Finland, China, and Switzerland, focusing on AI, digital sovereignty, 6G, meteorology, and scientific heritage to boost global cooperation.
- • Minister Luciana Santos authorized four officials to participate in scientific missions abroad.
- • Missions target cooperation in digital sovereignty, AI, 6G communications, and meteorology.
- • Travel destinations include Finland for digital technologies, China for meteorology, and Switzerland for scientific heritage.
- • Researchers will present at major symposiums and engage with partner institutions to strengthen bilateral relations.
Key details
Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) has authorized the travel of four researchers and officials on international scientific missions to Finland, China, and Switzerland, aimed at enhancing cooperation in strategic scientific sectors. The authorization, signed by Minister Luciana Santos and published in the Diário Oficial da União on August 18, 2026, marks a significant step in reinforcing Brazil's global engagement in cutting-edge technologies such as digital sovereignty, artificial intelligence (AI), and 6G communications.
The missions are scheduled to take place from late August to mid-September 2026. In Finland, Guilherme de Paula Correa and Fábio Borges de Oliveira will collaborate with governmental and private Finnish institutions focusing on digital technologies and high-performance computing, which are key to advancing Brazil's digital sovereignty and quantum technology capabilities.
In China, Haroldo Fraga de Campos Velho, a researcher from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), will present his work on neural networks used in data assimilation at two meteorological symposiums organized by the World Meteorological Organization. His research is critical for improving climate modeling and disaster monitoring using AI.
Meanwhile, João Henrique Ribeiro Barbosa from the Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST) will attend the 45th Scientific Instruments Symposium in Switzerland, where he will discuss the historical importance of Morse telegraph devices, highlighting Brazil's scientific heritage.
The missions are part of broader efforts to strengthen Brazil’s scientific and technological ties globally, with support from MCTI and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). Costs and organization are managed according to Brazilian public servant travel regulations, with responsibilities shared among the Ministry and respective institutions.
These international engagements reflect Brazil's commitment to scientific advancement in crucial areas that include digital sovereignty, advanced communication networks like 6G, AI in climate science, and preservation of scientific heritage, thereby positioning the country for greater participation and collaboration in the global science community.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Focus areas of missions
Sources report different focus areas for the missions in Finland and China.
google.com
"In Finland, Guilherme de Paula Correa and Fábio Borges de Oliveira will focus on digital technologies and high-performance computing."
google.com
"In Finland, Guilherme de Paula Correa and Fábio Borges de Oliveira will participate in a mission to promote cooperation in high-performance computing, quantum technologies, and advanced communications."
Why this matters: Source 458473 mentions high-performance computing and digital technologies for Finland, while Source 458482 adds quantum technologies. In China, Source 458473 states the focus is on neural networks for weather forecasts, while Source 458482 emphasizes AI in climate modeling. These differences could affect understanding of the missions' objectives.
Funding sources
Sources report different funding sources for the missions.
google.com
"The missions adhere to Brazilian regulations for public servants traveling abroad, with financial responsibilities varying by institution and mission type."
google.com
"The missions are scheduled from late August to mid-September 2026, with funding from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)."
Why this matters: Source 458473 states that financial responsibilities vary by institution, while Source 458482 specifies that funding comes from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. This discrepancy could influence understanding of the missions' financial backing.