Innovative Programs Boost Youth Engagement in Science Across Brazil
Brazil advances youth scientific literacy with Fiocruz's literary contest and Campos dos Goytacazes' educational program fostering engagement in science.
- • Fiocruz launched a literary contest for adolescents to connect science with writing, submissions open until May 29.
- • The contest winner receives R$ 1,000, publication, and participation in National Science and Technology Week.
- • Mais Ciência na Escola program reached its fifth edition with 107 projects and involvement from 36 municipal schools.
- • The II Congresso da Rede Internacional de Extensão Universitária fostered international cooperation on science popularization.
Key details
The Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) and Campos dos Goytacazes Municipal Secretary of Education are spearheading initiatives that promote scientific engagement among Brazilian youth through literary and educational programs. Fiocruz recently launched a literary contest inviting adolescents aged 13 to 16 to write about science, aiming to dismantle the perception of science as distant and inaccessible. The contest accepts entries until May 29, with the winner receiving R$ 1,000, publication in a Fiocruz book, and participation in National Science and Technology Week. This project emphasizes scientific literacy as key to combating misinformation on topics like vaccines and climate change, especially in marginalized communities, aiming to broaden youth access to scientific knowledge and foster future science communicators.
Meanwhile, the 'Mais Ciência na Escola' program, presented at the II Congresso da Rede Internacional de Extensão Universitária in Rio de Janeiro, has marked its fifth edition, boasting 107 approved projects engaging nearly 400 students across 36 municipal schools. Managed by Carla Salles, the program connects universities, schools, and communities to enrich public education through scientific research. The congress facilitated dialogue among African, Latin American, and European universities, highlighting the global importance of university extension for social development. These programs underscore Brazil's commitment to democratizing science and nurturing a scientifically literate youth who can contribute to knowledge production and citizenship.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
