SBPC Advocates for Science Funding Exemption from Fiscal Limits as Rio Appoints New Science Secretary
SBPC calls for exempting science funding from fiscal limits while Rio appoints a seasoned academic to lead its Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat.
- • SBPC motions to exempt science investments from Brazil's fiscal framework limits.
- • Motion sent to President Lula da Silva and Congressional leaders for urgent action.
- • Rio de Janeiro appoints Antonio Claudio Nóbrega as new Secretary for Science, Technology, and Innovation.
- • Nóbrega brings extensive experience from UFF and Covid-19 scientific leadership.
Key details
The Sociedade Brasileira para o Progresso da Ciência (SBPC) has formally requested that investments in science, technology, and innovation be exempted from Brazil's fiscal framework limits to ensure stable and sustained funding. This motion, approved during the 78th Annual SBPC Meeting in July, was directed to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Congressional leaders, and federal budget ministers. The SBPC underscored that Brazil's Constitution mandates state support for scientific development and posits the National System of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SNCTI) as a strategic priority. The motion calls for amending Complementary Law No. 200/2023 to exclude public investments in science from fiscal constraints, urging government bodies to protect and expand budgets for key institutions including the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), CNPq, and Finep.
In parallel with this national advocacy, Rio de Janeiro has appointed Antonio Claudio Lucas da Nóbrega, former rector of Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), as the new Secretary of State for Science, Technology, and Innovation. Announced by acting Governor Ricardo Couto on August 28, Nóbrega's appointment aims to strengthen the collaboration between universities, research centers, and public policy to drive social and economic advancement through science and innovation. Nóbrega brings a robust academic and administrative background, notably his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, which involved organizing expert groups, developing hospital care protocols, producing PPE, and coordinating vaccination efforts. He has been recognized with the Comenda Vital Brazil award for his contributions.
Nóbrega's new role will focus on transforming scientific knowledge into impactful public policies that address the needs of Rio de Janeiro's residents, aligning with the broader national call for strategic investment in science. This convergence of advocacy and leadership appointments marks a pivotal movement toward enhancing Brazil's scientific infrastructure and policy integration amid fiscal challenges.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
