MCTI Launches R$ 300 Million Initiative to Boost Science Popularization Across Brazil
Brazil's MCTI announces a R$ 300 million investment to expand science popularization nationwide, supporting education, communication, and cultural initiatives connected to the Obmep awards.
- • MCTI announced a R$ 300 million public call to boost science popularization supports.
- • Funding supports scientific education, fairs, olympiads, museums, and outreach.
- • The announcement coincided with the 20th Obmep awards ceremony where 684 students received medals.
- • Initiatives aim to combat misinformation and strengthen scientific culture nationwide.
Key details
The Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) has announced a R$ 300 million public call aimed at significantly expanding science popularization nationwide. This major investment was unveiled during the awards ceremony for the 20th edition of the Brazilian Mathematics Olympiad for Public Schools (Obmep), held in Rio de Janeiro on June 23, 2026, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Minister Luciana Santos in attendance.
The funding forms part of the National Program for Science Popularization (Pop Ciência) and targets a broad spectrum of initiatives designed to enhance access to scientific knowledge and strengthen scientific education throughout Brazil’s states and the Federal District. Initiatives that will receive support include scientific olympiads, science fairs, science clubs, itinerant science projects, and public science communication efforts, alongside investments in museums and science centers.
By fostering partnership networks between state governments, universities, schools, museums, and research institutions, Pop Ciência aims to increase collaboration and broaden outreach. The overall strategy aligns with MCTI’s goal to enhance scientific culture and combat misinformation by making science more accessible and integrated into daily life.
During the Obmep event, 684 students nationwide were awarded gold medals, highlighting the olympiad’s prominent role in promoting STEM education and identifying future scientific talent. Many medalists gain access to programs such as the Junior Scientific Initiation Program (PIC), which offers advanced math courses and monthly scholarships.
President Lula emphasized education’s critical role in creating equality and fostering national development, while Minister Santos pointed out Obmep’s contribution to nurturing potential scientists in Brazil. Additionally, the ceremony announced the launch of an Impa Tech unit in Northeast Brazil scheduled for March 2024, and a study exchange program to China fully funded for 26 Obmep gold medalists.
Student Lilithy Torenzani shared her experience, noting how participation in Obmep deepened her enthusiasm for mathematics through its challenges in reasoning and creativity.
This significant public investment marks a nationwide effort to make science a vital and accessible part of Brazilian society, fostering education and innovation for the future.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
