Brazilian Universities Host Interdisciplinary Science Fairs Highlighting Innovation and Sustainability

Brazilian universities Unicamp and UnB host interdisciplinary science fairs in 2026 focusing on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

    Key details

  • • Unicamp's II Feira InterCOCEN will be held on September 19-20, 2026, featuring science, art, and cultural activities.
  • • The fair covers topics such as climate change, biomedical engineering, and biodiversity, with participation from biologist Átila Iamarino.
  • • UnB's Agricultural Sciences fair attracted over 600 young researchers focusing on sustainable agriculture and technological innovation.
  • • Both events highlight the integration of scientific research, education, and community outreach with an emphasis on sustainability.
  • • These fairs promote collaboration, scientific literacy, and encourage youth career interest in various scientific fields.

Brazilian universities are leading efforts to engage youth and the community in science through interdisciplinary fairs that emphasize innovation, sustainability, and education. Two prominent events booked for 2026 showcase a broad range of scientific fields and community involvement.

The II Feira InterCOCEN at the University of Campinas (Unicamp) will take place on September 19-20, 2026, at the Centro de Eventos da Secretaria Municipal de Educação in Campinas. This free event celebrates Unicamp's 60th anniversary and integrates science, technology, art, and culture through interactive workshops, scientific demonstrations, and exhibitions suitable for all ages. Key topics include climate change, biodiversity, nanotechnology, nutrition, biomedical engineering, and digital arts. Cultural attractions include performances by Unicamp’s music groups, students from Colégio Técnico de Limeira (COTIL), and participation by renowned biologist and science communicator Átila Iamarino. Raluca Savu, coordinator of Unicamp’s Center for Education and Scientific Outreach (COCEN), said the fair aims to foster dialogue between the university and society by emphasizing the role of scientific research in tackling real-world challenges. The event’s inaugural 2025 edition attracted more than a thousand visitors and has joined Unicamp’s annual calendar.

Meanwhile, the University of Brasília (UnB) held a fair dedicated to Agricultural Sciences, gathering over 600 young researchers who explored projects focused on science, innovation, and sustainable development in agriculture and food production. The event underscored the importance of scientific knowledge and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, in modern sustainable farming. Discussions centered on resource efficiency and environmental conservation to address food security and technological advancements. The fair fosters collaboration between universities, schools, and youth, encouraging early engagement with research and inspiring careers in agronomy, biotechnology, and agroecology. UnB also highlighted its role in popularizing science through extensive outreach activities related to agriculture and business management.

These science fairs demonstrate the commitment of Brazil’s higher education institutions to interdisciplinary scientific education and community engagement. By uniting diverse scientific fields with cultural activities and sustainability themes, these events stimulate curiosity, promote scientific literacy, and prepare future generations to address complex challenges facing society and the environment.

This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.

Source comparison

Event dates

Sources report different dates for their respective events

brasiliainfoco.com

"The event has already taken place."

horacampinas.com.br

"The event will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026."

Why this matters: One source discusses an event that has already occurred, while the other source is announcing an upcoming event. This discrepancy is significant as it affects the relevance and timing of the information presented to readers.