Paraná Faz Ciência 2026 Engages Thousands with Interactive Science and University Innovation

The Paraná Faz Ciência 2026 event, held at the Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (Unioeste) in Cascavel from October 9 to 13, has attracted thousands of visitors eager to experience over 40 scientific and technological initiatives. The centerpiece, Arena Paraná, offers interactive and immersive exhibits illustrating practical science applications, such as repurposing cigarette butts for water purification and using cassava waste for thermal insulation.

Visitors enter through a corridor showcasing the scientific contributions of seven state universities, Fundação Araucária, and the Instituto de Tecnologia do Paraná (Tecpar). The government, via the Secretaria da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (Seti), is investing record funds to make scientific research accessible and socially impactful, according to Richard Lima da Cunha, coordinator of Arena Paraná activities.

A notable highlight is Fundação Araucária’s Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação (Napis), collaborative networks bridging universities, research institutions, and businesses to tackle state challenges, ensuring academic knowledge benefits the community effectively. Débora de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana from the foundation emphasized this transformative connection.

Interactive experiences engage both children and adults, including Educatron digital educational games and Braille-Math calculators for visually impaired students. The Secretaria da Inovação e Inteligência Artificial (Seia) promotes AI awareness in schools, while Tecpar offers hands-on lab simulations to inform about important health topics like pet rabies vaccination.

The event also underscores the vital role universities play in scientific advancement and technological innovation, reinforcing their transformative societal impact. Arena Paraná remains open free to the public from 8 AM to 6 PM at the Pavilhão Científico.