Brazil launches astronomy plan 2025–2035 to advance space research

Brazil has released the National Astronomy Plan 2025–2035, a strategic document outlining priorities for the development of astronomy over the next decade. Coordinated by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the plan updates the first edition published in 2010 to reflect recent scientific and technological advances, as reported by the government's website.

The document was prepared by the Special Commission on Astronomy, coordinated by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, with contributions from researchers from scientific institutions across the country. Experts worked through thematic subcommittees to assess current challenges and formulate recommendations.

The strategy is structured around four key areas. The first focuses on major scientific questions, including the origin and evolution of the Universe, dark matter and dark energy, the formation of stars and galaxies, cosmology, and the search for life beyond Earth.

The second area addresses observational infrastructure and astronomical instrumentation. It outlines priorities for the development, maintenance and expansion of telescopes, radio telescopes, detectors and other scientific equipment, while also assessing Brazil’s existing research capabilities.

A further section promotes closer links between astronomy and society through science education, public outreach, teacher training, inclusion initiatives, preservation of scientific heritage and the development of scientific culture.

The plan also highlights the growing role of Big Data in astronomy, emphasising the need to strengthen expertise in data science, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing to process and analyse increasingly large volumes of scientific data.