São Paulo Leads Brazil with Major Investments in Science Education and Research Infrastructure

São Paulo is spearheading Brazil's investment in scientific education and infrastructure with a landmark allocation of approximately R$ 30 million for the Mais Ciência na Escola program. This initiative, launched on March 19 at the Instituto Federal de São Paulo, will directly benefit 300 public schools in the state, fostering enhanced scientific education and digital literacy. Coordinated by entities such as IFSP and local universities, the program includes the establishment of maker labs, teacher training, student scholarships, and a focus on inquiry-based learning and social inclusion.

The Mais Ciência na Escola program, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), the Ministry of Education, and CNPq, is expanding nationwide with plans to reach 2,000 schools by 2026, impacting 20,000 students and 2,000 teachers. São Paulo stands out with the largest share of funding in this national effort, which emphasizes empowering underserved youth through access to science and technology.

In tandem with educational investments, São Paulo's science and technology sector has seen a 131% increase in funding from 2023 to 2025, totaling over R$ 25 billion. Notable infrastructure milestones include the completion of four light lines of the Sirius particle accelerator at CNPEM in Campinas, a R$ 230 million project that enhances research capacities in health, energy, and the environment. Minister Luciana Santos described Sirius as a "super microscope" facilitating molecular and atomic-level studies, symbolizing Brazil's commitment to cutting-edge knowledge production.

Further advancements include the construction of the Orion laboratory complex for high-risk virus research and vaccine development, crucial for handling public health emergencies. These investments connect universities, research institutes, and businesses across an expanding network of municipalities, promoting innovation and technological sovereignty.

Minister Santos emphasized the importance of grounded governance and public investment in science as vital to Brazil's development and resilience. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted the 17th Caravana Federativa event in São Paulo as a "one-stop shop" to connect federal services with local municipalities, providing resources for health, housing, digital inclusion, and transportation.

These coordinated efforts reinforce São Paulo’s role as a national leader in advancing scientific education and research infrastructure, with broad impacts expected both regionally and across Brazil.