Brazilian government announces US$589 million investment in science, technology, and innovation

The federal government of Brazil has unveiled a US$589 million investment to boost science, technology, and innovation across the country, particularly in regions of the North, Northeast, and West. The initiative will focus on enhancing research infrastructure and supporting innovation-driven projects. This is reported by Brazil 247, a partner of TV BRICS.

Luciana Santos, Brazil's Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasised the need for a collaborative approach among various research institutes across the country. Santos highlighted that the integration of national institutions into a cohesive network would allow for more efficient responses to Brazil's most pressing challenges

“We have 202 national institutes, and a key advantage is creating a network. This means that knowledge from a specific field will be applied within the National System of Science and Technology, all converging to tackle major challenges,” the minister explained, underlining the broad impact expected from this initiative.

One of the primary initiatives under this investment plan is the National Institute of Science and Technology Programme (INCT), which is currently open for new proposals until 9 December. The programme aims to build interdisciplinary research networks focused on strategic areas. Notably, 30 per cent of the funding will be allocated to institutions in the North, Northeast, and West regions with historically lower levels of investment in science and innovation.

In addition to the broader investment, the government is directing US$114 million towards Pro-Infrastructure Regional Development, a programme designed to strengthen research infrastructure in the North, Northeast, and West regions. This initiative aims not only to encourage innovation but also to create conditions that retain skilled professionals in these areas.

These measures form part of the government's broader effort to reduce regional disparities in science and innovation, promote collaborative research networks, and strengthen Brazil’s position in global scientific research.

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