From: inteligencialtda
The advancement and public understanding of scientific research are critical for Brazil’s development and societal well-being. Several challenges, including underfunding and an academic culture that sometimes hinders broader dissemination, currently impact the sector.
Current Challenges in Brazilian Science
Underfunded Scholarships and Dismantling
Postgraduate students are described as the individuals who “carry the science of Brazil on their back” [07:11:00]. Despite this vital role, master’s scholarships currently offer R2,200 [07:21:00]. These values have not been adjusted for inflation since 2013 [07:16:00]. Scholarship recipients are expected to dedicate 40 hours a week exclusively to their studies and cannot engage in other paid activities [07:27:00]. Furthermore, there are delays in the payment of CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) scholarships, directly affecting numerous students [07:48:00].
This situation reflects a “systematic dismantling of science” in Brazil, particularly noticeable after 2015 and 2016 [08:02:00]. The speaker, a former CAPES scholarship holder, emphasizes that without such support, he might not have discovered his area of study in neuroscience and psychology [08:12:00].
Consequences of Devaluation
The devaluation of science leads to several critical issues:
- Loss of talent: Postgraduate and doctoral students leave Brazil [16:01:00].
- National dependence: Brazil becomes “hostage of countries that produce science,” such as the United States and China [09:10:00].
- Lack of prioritization by government policies and economic impacts in Brazil: Investing in science is a long-term endeavor, yielding results 20 or 30 years in the future, making it politically challenging to prioritize over more immediate concerns like road improvements [16:26:00]. There is a disconnect in public understanding that more science and technology could lead to cheaper gasoline prices or improved purification technologies in the long run [17:07:00].
The Role of Science in Daily Life
Science is fundamental to modern existence. Accessing content on a computer or smartphone is possible “because of science” and the studies conducted by researchers [08:57:00]. Scientific discoveries lead to new technologies, medicines, and countless innovations that improve daily life [09:03:00].
Bridging the Gap: Scientific Communication
A significant challenge in scientific dissemination is the “preciousness” within academia, where technical terms are highly valued, sometimes at the expense of accessibility [10:31:00]. For example, using “hypercholesterolemia” instead of “high cholesterol” can alienate a broad audience who needs the information most [10:41:00].
Scientific communicators need to adapt their language to the context: technical terms for conferences and simpler language for television shows or podcasts [20:09:00]. The goal is to “take a little preciousness” to attract a wider audience and ensure that content reaches those who truly need it [12:10:00].
“If you stay being extremely precious, if you stay being extremely organized in your speech so as not to hurt the teacher guy there who publishes Nature paper that publishes paper in Science and doesn’t know to hear high cholesterol because it has to be hyper cholesterolemia you will be talking to the priest you were praying mass for Priest You will not speak to whoever needs it” [12:20:00]
The speaker emphasizes that engaging with the public, even through “sensationalist” titles for clicks (as long as information is correct), is vital for science to be valued [12:06:00].
Encouraging Dissemination
Individuals, especially students, are encouraged to “spread science” in their own way, posting on social media, discussing scientific articles, and sharing knowledge from their areas of expertise, provided it is supported by quality scientific articles [17:17:00].
Conclusion
The importance of scientific research in Brazil cannot be overstated. It underpins technological progress, medical advancements, and overall societal well-being. Addressing the challenges of funding, valuing researchers, and improving scientific communication are crucial steps for Brazil to achieve its full potential and avoid being reliant on other nations for scientific progress.