Strengthening Science and Technology Engagement Across Brazilian Municipalities and Youth
New partnerships and youth programs are advancing science and technology engagement across Brazilian municipalities and educational institutions, promoting connectivity and inspiring young talents.
- • UPB and Secti partnered to expand Conecta Bahia, enhancing connectivity and innovation in Bahia's municipalities.
- • Conecta Bahia provides free internet to rural and traditional communities, fostering education, health, and entrepreneurship.
- • Projeto Sócios-Mirins offers aerospace-focused science immersion for talented students selected through national competitions.
- • The Decolar program supports gifted students with individualized scientific literacy plans monitored over several years.
- • These initiatives reflect Brazil's commitment to integrating technology and science development at community and youth levels.
Key details
Recent initiatives in Brazil are enhancing community involvement in science and technology, targeting both municipalities and young students. A significant development occurred in Bahia, where Wilson Cardoso, president of the Union of Municipalities of Bahia (UPB) and mayor of Andaraí, joined forces with Marcius Gomes, Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation of Bahia (Secti), to expand the Conecta Bahia program. This state government initiative provides free, quality internet to municipalities, rural areas, and traditional communities, fostering connectivity that benefits education, health, entrepreneurship, and social participation. Cardoso emphasized the partnership's importance, stating, "We are establishing another strong partnership between UPB and the State Government to bring innovation, science, and technology to our municipalities. We will innovate to advance." Secti aims to disseminate innovation throughout Bahian municipalities, promoting new opportunities, particularly in public procurement and academic collaborations (ID 133792). Meanwhile, São José dos Campos hosted the Projeto Sócios-Mirins, an aerospace science immersion program designed for 12 talented students aged 7 to 14 selected through their performance in the Brazilian Olympiad of Innovation, Science, and Technology (OBICT). The students experienced visits to institutions such as the Museu Interativo de Ciências and engaged in the Decolar program, which cultivates scientific literacy and nurtures gifted students over four years. Participant Erin Otero expressed enthusiasm, noting the unique scientific opportunities offered by São José. Alex Lopes, AEITA’s president, highlighted the program's role in inspiring young talent through immersive experiences linked to leading aerospace organizations like ITA and EMBRAER (ID 133794). Together, these programs underscore Brazil's efforts to innovate and expand science and technology education and infrastructure at the community level, bridging urban and rural divides and fostering future scientific leaders.