National Science and Technology Week 2026 Highlights Women's Role in Science Across Brazil

The 23rd National Science and Technology Week commenced on October 21, 2026, in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, with a strong focus on highlighting and promoting women's contributions to science under the central theme "Ciência Delas" (Science of Them). Organized by the State Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Seciteci-MT), the event runs through October 23, featuring a variety of free activities including lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and competitions designed to encourage female participation in scientific research and innovation.

Key components of the week include the 18th State Exhibition of Science, Technology and Innovation (MECTI), the 2nd State High Tech Festival, and the inaugural State Hack Festival. Competitions in robotics, gaming, and cultural presentations offer total prizes of R$130,000, underscoring the event's commitment to innovation and engagement.

Several prominent figures voiced support for advancing gender equity in science. Vera Maquêa, rector of the State University of Mato Grosso (Unemat), emphasized the importance of encouraging girls to pursue scientific careers and highlighted discussions on female leadership in science, social technologies, and climate education. During the opening, she stated the necessity of gender equity across all societal sectors, particularly science. Secretary Dimorvan Alencar Brescancim noted, "We need to encourage our girls and young women to see science and technology as spaces that also belong to them."

Parallelly, the 17th Science and Technology Week at Unesc in Santa Catarina will begin on October 26, also embracing the "Ciência Delas" theme. With around 3,000 expected attendees and over 570 project submissions, the event features lectures, workshops, and presentations that explore women's roles in scientific research. Gisele Silveira Coelho Lopes, acting Unesc rector, highlighted the week as a platform for fostering critical and analytical thinking. Notably, the opening lecture by Jade de Oliveira from UFRGS will focus on metabolic diseases, followed by a presentation on female leadership in science and business.

Both events demonstrate a nationwide push to celebrate and elevate the role of women in science, aiming to dismantle barriers, support early engagement in research, and promote diversity and inclusion across academic and innovation spheres.