On Monday (14), in Rio de Janeiro, the Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST) opened an exhibition on 200 years of science and technology in Brazil. Through collections and instruments donated by research institutes and scientific institutions, the exhibition depicts the innovations developed throughout Brazil’s history. The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos.
According to Mast Director Marcio Rangel, museums have always played a central role in the development of society. “The mast contains essential elements of our Brazilian nationality and identity, and we are a UNESCO focal point for the preservation of the astronomical heritage,” Rangel stated.
For Minister Luciana Santos, Mast serves as a custodian of Brazil’s scientific heritage and expands society’s access to scientific knowledge. “This is necessary at a time when we need to reaffirm trust in science as a guide for formulating public policies and as a pillar for Brazil’s development on new technological and sustainable foundations,” he noted.
The Minister recalled the measures taken to reverse the fragility of the research units that make up the MCTI structure. Among the measures we announced to restructure our research units, I highlight the issuance of a public tender to fill 814 vacancies. “We want to publish the notice within a maximum of 40 days to speed up the renewal and reconfiguration of the technical staff of our entities,” said Luciana Santos.
We are also allocating resources from the Ministry’s budget to restore infrastructure. Of the approximately R$42 million issued, MAST has received a total of R$6 million for projects to implement a fire detection and control system and to condition the spaces housing its valuable collections. This action aims to ensure the preservation of collections that tell the history of Brazilian science and to modernize laboratories and other structures dedicated to research and development activities.
Lab
Still in Rio de Janeiro, the Minister participated in the opening of the Laboratory of Paleomagnetism of the National Observatory, which, in partnership with Petrobras, will carry out studies of the geological past of the Earth. The research may provide unprecedented results in the formation of sedimentary basins and contribute to improving the work and resources used in oil and gas exploration.
“The opening of this laboratory represents a significant advance in efforts to bring research closer to companies, and to promote innovation generation. This is very important, especially at a time when re-industrialization is one of the biggest challenges facing Brazil,” explained Luciana Santos, referring to the technological challenges of the oil and gas industry . He concluded, “This laboratory is indisputable proof of the essential role of the research units of MCTI in scientific and technological development, in generating innovation, in training human resources, and in Brazil’s leading role in the international scientific scenario.”
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