Researchers and Funding Agencies Gather at One of the Country’s Largest Research and Innovation Events
With the goal of building networks of researchers from different fields of knowledge, Fundação Getulio Vargas will host the VII Research Symposium on September 12, 13, and 14 at its headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Supported by Fiocruz and Euraxess, the Symposium will bring together researchers and public authorities to engage with the public and private sectors on topics that represent the main challenges for Brazil’s socioeconomic development.
In this edition, in addition to interacting with scientific institutions, funding agencies and foundations, companies, and government bodies, participants will also have the opportunity to present their projects in search of partners and funding during the Flash Presentations panel. This panel allows researchers to introduce, in up to 10 minutes, the objectives, methodology, and next steps required for the development of a multidisciplinary research project. The presentation format can be found at the provided link, and submissions must be sent by September 1 to the email address: research.net@fgv.br.
According to Professor Jerson Lima, President of the Rio de Janeiro State Research Support Foundation (FAPERJ), promoting research in both basic and applied sciences, along with the development of new technologies, is the guiding thread for building the societies of today and tomorrow, which face increasingly complex challenges and problems.
“If we don’t promote the development of human knowledge and push its boundaries, the decisions we make will always fall short of addressing contemporary global issues. Science and technology are, therefore, the most powerful tools for finding the most effective and sustainable solutions to the toughest problems,” he emphasized.
Professor Carlos Américo Pacheco, CEO of the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), highlights that nearly every country is making efforts to intensify research focused on the so-called grand global challenges.
“In some cases, these are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in others they are identified as moonshots, or as strategic areas and critical technologies. The truth is that all countries pursue a science and innovation policy that blends curiosity-driven research with use-driven research. All involve new knowledge, but the difference now is that many initiatives are based on priorities defined—preferably—by society as a whole,” said Pacheco, who is confirmed to speak at the Symposium’s opening panel on The Impact of Science on Society and the Advancement of Knowledge: New Challenges in Research, Technology, and Innovation.
Partnerships in Multidisciplinary Research Projects
Given the need for different fields of knowledge to work together to advance science, Celso Pansera, President of the Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (FINEP), reinforces the importance of promoting science and innovation through partnerships between government, academia, and the productive sector. According to Pansera, the goal of this collaboration should be to reduce inequality and poverty, and to improve access to education and healthcare in the country.
“We will use the State’s purchasing power to drive innovation in the productive sector and make the public sector more efficient. Considering the opportunities of the new economy, we will stimulate the development of research and innovation with a policy focused on supporting and including young entrepreneurs in the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, generating new and better jobs,” he stated.
For Professor Odir Dellagostin, President of the National Council of State Research Support Foundations (CONFAP), this collaboration among multidisciplinary teams enables the integration of diverse knowledge, methodologies, and perspectives, resulting in more comprehensive research projects. “This approach fosters innovation and the creation of holistic solutions with the potential to generate a positive and sustainable impact for a better future,” said Dellagostin.
International Collaborations
To further expand this multidisciplinary approach, there is also a need to promote collaboration with international institutions to enhance investment and the impact of research developed in Brazil, as pointed out by Professor Mercedes Bustamante, President of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). She emphasizes that international collaboration boosts investment and research outcomes, helping to overcome today’s societal challenges.
“International cooperation in science, technology, and innovation is extremely relevant in the 21st century. At various levels and in different forms, these partnerships help provide solutions to the most urgent global development challenges, such as poverty reduction, global warming, and the energy transition. The benefits of research collaboration include the sharing and transfer of knowledge, skills, and techniques, as well as the formation of broader researcher networks that can increase the visibility of science produced around the world.”
Ricardo Galvão, President of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), also believes that encouraging cooperation with research groups and scientists worldwide is crucial for the advancement of science in Brazil. He also highlighted a recent call for proposals focused on the internationalization of scientific research.
“Knowledge exchange significantly contributes to research. With that in mind, CNPq recently launched a Call for Support to International Projects with important innovations, such as support not only for cooperation between already established groups but also for encouraging young PhDs and promoting collaboration with Latin American, Caribbean, and African countries. To address regional inequalities in Brazil, the Call encourages projects from the North, Northeast, and Center-West regions,” Galvão noted.
To dive deeper into these discussions, join the Symposium, check out the preliminary program, and register now.