Brazilian Government Advances Science and Technology Funding and Career Expansion
Brazil's federal government advances significant budget increases and institutional reforms to support science and technology, integrating health professionals into the national innovation system.
- • Fábio Borges and Minister Luciana Santos advocated for increased S&T funding with a proposed R$700 million to R$1 billion budget increase.
- • The National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT) faces structural issues limiting essential expenses despite full fund release since 2023.
- • The CCJ approved Project Law 3.102/22 expanding the S&T career framework to include health professionals in federal institutions.
- • The project aims to enhance coordination between science and health policies and will proceed to the Senate for final approval.
Key details
On November 5, 2025, Brazil's federal government demonstrated strong institutional support for science and technology (S&T) through key legislative and budgetary actions. A hearing at the Chamber of Deputies brought together scientific leaders and legislators advocating for increased funding and structural reforms in the S&T sector. Fábio Borges, director of the National Laboratory of Scientific Computing (LNCC), represented LNCC at this session which was led by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos. Santos emphasized the urgent need to enhance the sector's budget, proposing a discretionary budget increase for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) ranging between R$700 million and R$1 billion, underscoring that "science is not an expense, it is an investment." She highlighted the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT), noting its full release since 2023 but also a structural issue preventing coverage of essential research institution costs.
In parallel, the Chamber of Deputies' Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) approved Project Law 3.102/22 aimed at expanding the S&T career framework in federal institutions. This legal amendment recognizes health workers in federal hospitals and specialized institutes such as the National Institute of Cardiology and the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics as part of the national science and technology system. Although no new positions or salary changes are involved, it institutionalizes these professionals’ contributions to research and innovation, promoting stronger integration between science and public health policies. Deputy Daiana Santos, rapporteur of the project, emphasized the importance of this recognition, aligning with Minister Santos' strategy to enhance coordination between ministries and research bodies.
The Senate will next review the CCJ-approved project, moving it closer to presidential sanction. These concerted efforts reflect a unified political commitment to reinforce Brazil's scientific infrastructure and innovation capacity through budgetary support and institutional strengthening, marking significant progress in federal science and technology policy.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.