The Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) reported that its science popularisation programmes reached more than 20 million people in 2025, driven by federal investment and a network of partners across the country.
Science popularisation Brazil and the drive to local engagement
In a year of intensified outreach, the ministry and the funding agency Finep allocated roughly R$550 million to events and projects designed to bring scientific knowledge closer to the public. The initiatives included the National Science and Technology Week, national and local science olympiads, and hundreds of science fairs and exhibitions.
The ministry says the purpose of popularisation is to disseminate scientific, technological and innovation activity throughout society, helping to address social, environmental, economic and technological challenges while contributing to public welfare. Officials note that embedding science in everyday life remains a priority.
Looking ahead, the MCTI plans a further package of measures funded by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT). For 2026 the ministry has prepared a R$300 million programme aimed at partnering with states to implement robust and decentralised State Programmes for Science Popularisation.
“We need to support local projects, strengthen state networks and, above all, bring science into people’s daily lives. Science is everywhere,” said Minister Luciana Santos during the 69th National Forum of the National Council of State Research Support Foundations in October.
The National Science and Technology Week, established in 2004 by presidential decree, remains central to the ministry’s outreach. This year’s edition centred on the theme Planet Water and Ocean Culture to Face Climate Change in My Territory and attracted about 100,000 visitors in Brasília. The event runs simultaneously across the country and gathers research institutions, funding agencies, universities, museums, schools, botanical gardens, government departments, tech firms and civil society organisations.
For the 22nd edition, the MCTI and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) launched a public call to support events and activities aligned with the week. R$15 million was disbursed and 380 projects received funding.
Education and participation through olympiads and fairs
Scientific olympiads form a key pillar of the popularisation strategy, aimed at improving the quality of basic education and raising scientific literacy. In 2025, more than 26 million children and adolescents took part in these competitions. The ministry reports that 99% of municipalities are now involved, with public institutions leading participation. CNPq’s public call number 38/2024 supported 38 projects this year.
Science fairs and exhibitions continue to be one of the most visible formats for engagement. More than 19,000 student projects were presented nationwide in 2025. With an investment of R$20 million, the MCTI and CNPq financed 345 science fairs and exhibitions, bringing together students and members of the public at events attended by more than 500,000 people.
Of the 345 funded proposals, 12 were national fairs, 81 were state level and 232 were municipal events, reflecting the ministry’s push to broaden access and encourage local initiatives.
Officials say the combination of national coordination, funding support and state partnership is designed to sustain and deepen the reach of science popularisation, ensuring that educational and outreach activities are adapted to local contexts and contribute to long term social and environmental objectives.
Key Takeaways:
- Science popularisation Brazil reached over 20 million people in 2025 following R$550 million in federal support.
- Major programmes included the National Science and Technology Week, scientific olympiads with 26 million young participants, and 345 science fairs funded across the country.
- The MCTI plans a R$300 million FNDCT package in 2026 to strengthen state partnerships and local programmes.
