Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul Expand State Awards Recognizing Scientific Excellence

The Brazilian states of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul have recently enhanced their scientific recognition programs with expanded state awards aimed at promoting regional research excellence. Paraná launched the 39th Prêmio Paranaense de Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior with significantly increased total funding from R$228,350 to R$600,000 and broadened the award scope to up to 150 winners, marking it as Brazil's largest science recognition. The award now features a two-stage process—regional and state-wide—and covers seven state territories, emphasizing academic and technological contributions from all regions. New categories include Young Researcher, Innovative Pedagogical Practices, and Academic Excellence Trajectories, alongside traditional fields and public recognition honors. Regional winners receive between R$1,000 and R$3,000, while state winners get from R$5,000 to R$15,000, with the ceremony scheduled for November 30, 2026.

Meanwhile, Fundect of Mato Grosso do Sul announced the 2025 edition of the Prêmio Fundect Pesquisador Sul-Mato-Grossense, offering R$90,000 in total prize money. The award recognizes outstanding researchers in science, technology, and innovation with two main categories: Pesquisador Destaque for experienced doctorate holders and Pesquisador Inovador for impactful initiatives in business or public sectors. Research institutions nominate candidates by May 6, 2026, and winners will be publicly honored and nominated for a national prize. Cristiano Carvalho, Fundect's director-president, highlighted the award's role in valuing knowledge production and strengthening the state's research ecosystem.

Together, these awards underscore efforts by both states to decentralize science recognition, promote diverse talent, and enhance regional and national visibility of local scientific achievements, reinforcing Brazil's growing prominence in science and technology production.