Rio de Janeiro Reestablishes Science and Technology Secretariat, Appoints Veteran Academic Leader
Rio de Janeiro reinstates its Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat with Antonio Claudio Lucas da Nóbrega appointed as head, reinforcing oversight of key research institutions and emphasizing innovation without increasing state expenses.
- • The State Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation has been reestablished in Rio de Janeiro.
- • Antonio Claudio Lucas da Nóbrega, former UFF rector, was appointed as the new Secretary.
- • The Secretariat will oversee state institutions like Uerj, Uenf, Faetec, Faperj, and Cecierj.
- • The government states the restructuring will not increase expenses or new commissioned roles.
Key details
The Government of Rio de Janeiro has reinstated the State Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SECTI) as of September 16, 2026, restoring its autonomy and reviving direct oversight of major state educational and research institutions. Antonio Claudio Lucas da Nóbrega, former rector of the Federal University of Fluminense (UFF), has been named to lead the newly reestablished secretariat.
This restructuring returns key institutions including the State University of Rio de Janeiro (Uerj), the State University of Northern Fluminense (Uenf), the Technical School Support Foundation (Faetec), the Cecierj Foundation, and the Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Faperj) to SECTI's coordination. The Secretariat aims to foster scientific research, innovation, technological development, and integration between academia and industry.
Importantly, the state government has affirmed that the reinstatement will not increase expenses or create new commissioned positions, instead utilizing the current budget and existing staff. The secretariat will focus on developing technology parks, incubators, attracting national and international research centers, and promoting differentiated tax treatment to support scientific and technological enterprises.
Antonio Claudio Lucas da Nóbrega is a distinguished medical doctor with postgraduate degrees in Biological Sciences and a doctorate from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). A recognized level 1A productivity researcher according to CNPq and a scientist honored by Faperj, Nóbrega emphasized the Secretariat’s role as a strategic bridge linking education, research, and the productive sector toward economic and social development.
The Secretariat’s reestablishment comes after its fusion with the Secretariat of Economic Development in August, a move that faced opposition from scientific communities and university leaders. The reversal highlights the state's commitment to strengthening science and technology as pillars for innovation and economic growth under Governor Ricardo Couto's administration.
This restructuring positions SECTI as a focal institution for innovation policy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and fostering collaboration between universities, government, and industry in Rio de Janeiro.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (5)
Source comparison
Date of decree
Sources report different dates for the decree establishing the secretariat.
mancheterio.com.br
"The restructuring is formalized by Decree No. 50,472, dated September 15, 2026."
diariodorio.com
"This reorganization, published in the Official Gazette on September 16."
oglobo.globo.com
"This change, published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday."
tmc.com.br
"This announcement was made by acting governor Ricardo Couto de Castro and published in the Official Gazette on September 16."
diariodovale.com.br
"This announcement was made public in the Official Gazette on Wednesday, the 16th."
Why this matters: One source states the decree is dated September 15, while others indicate it was published on September 16. This discrepancy is significant as it affects the timeline of the announcement and the restructuring process.