Rio Grande do Norte Launches PopCiência Potiguar Program to Democratize Science Access
Rio Grande do Norte establishes the PopCiência Potiguar Program to increase science access and inclusion through education, professional training, and cultural integration.
- • Rio Grande do Norte sanctioned Law No. 12,812 to create the PopCiência Potiguar Program.
- • The program promotes inclusion and democratization of science, targeting underrepresented groups.
- • It is structured around five key axes including professional training and integration of culture and science.
- • Planned activities include museums support, scientific fairs, teacher training, and youth engagement.
Key details
The Government of Rio Grande do Norte has enacted Law No. 12,812 to establish the PopCiência Potiguar Program, aiming to popularize science, technology, and innovation across the state. The program's objective is to promote scientific literacy, education, and critical communication of scientific knowledge to non-academic audiences, fostering human, social, economic, cultural, and environmental development.
A central focus lies on inclusion and equity, encouraging participation from groups historically underrepresented in science such as women, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, Black communities, traditional groups, and the LGBTQIAPN+ community. The program emphasizes democratization of access and social inclusion, aiming to enhance quality of life through innovative scientific and technological solutions.
Organized along five strategic axes, the initiative covers inclusion and decentralization of science, professional training in science dissemination, dedicated funding, integration of science with culture and arts, and recognition of innovative practices. Planned actions include supporting museums and science centers, organizing scientific fairs and Olympiads, continuous teacher training, and creating science communication content. It promotes cooperation among state and municipal bodies, educational institutions like UERN and IERNs, and fosters youth engagement, particularly encouraging girls and women in science.
Funding comes from public sources, partnerships, and cooperative agreements, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development and social justice. This program marks a significant move by Rio Grande do Norte to enhance regional science policy with inclusive, accessible science education and innovation promotion.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Date of Law Publication
Sources report different publication dates for Law No. 12.812.
agorarn.com.br
"Law No. 12,812, establishing the PopCiência Potiguar Program, has been enacted."
diariodorn.com.br
"Law No. 12.812 published on October 9."
Why this matters: One source states the law was published on October 9, while the other does not specify a date. This discrepancy could affect understanding of the timeline for the program's implementation.