The 78th annual meeting of the Brazilian Society for the Advancement of Science (SBPC) begins this Sunday (26) and is expected to gather about 50,000 people at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) campus in Niterói. Considered the largest scientific gathering in Latin America, the event seeks to connect academic knowledge to the country's social and economic development.
With the theme "Science for all: sovereignty, development, and inclusion," the program will address topics ranging from artificial intelligence to the exploration of rare earth elements. Over the course of a week, the meeting will feature more than 250 activities, including conferences, roundtables, and special sessions covering various fields of knowledge.
The event's structure was planned to be inclusive and open to the community. In addition to scientific discussions, the public will be able to enjoy cultural performances, exhibitions, and spaces such as ExpoT&C, which showcases innovations from universities and research institutes. The program also includes the SBPC Cultural and the SBPC Jovem tent, aimed at students and teachers of basic education.
Accessibility is a priority for the organization, with the provision of materials in Braille, spaces for neurodivergent individuals, and transportation support for people with reduced mobility. The rector of UFF, Antônio Claudio Lucas da Nóbrega, highlighted that opening the campus is fundamental for the population to understand the impact of science and technology on daily life and national sovereignty.
The event will also have a relevant political character with the release of the document "Voices of Science - The Brazil We Want." The text gathers 117 proposals drafted by researchers from across the country, intended to guide candidates in different spheres of power during the election year.
The program also includes moments of debate on diversity, gender, and equity, as well as spaces dedicated to the knowledge of traditional, indigenous, and Afro-Brazilian communities. One of the highlights will be the act against femicide, scheduled for Monday morning (27), reaffirming the scientific community's stance against gender-based violence.
The closing of activities is scheduled for next Saturday (1), with the traditional "Family Day in Science," an initiative that aims to bring people of all ages closer to Brazilian scientific production through recreational and educational activities.
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