RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations Marcos Pontes said yesterday, February 21, that the National Institutes of Science and Technology (INCTs) will be allocated some R$280 (US$55) million in research funds.
According to Pontes, this amount is part of more than R$1 billion to be invested in the sector in 2022.
The Minister also said that another R$250 million will be provided to fund several lines of study at the Research Productivity (PQ) level. In total, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations (MCTI) has 130 INCTs, which were lagging by 30% in the budget. “We need to have this. It seems like a lot, but we need to have a lot more,” he said.
The Minister said there are over 70,000 idle positions in activities related to information and communication technology (ICT), and that the MCTI offers courses and workshops to specialize those interested in joining the sector.
The Minister also talked about the national production of vaccines, medicines and medical supplies. Pontes stressed the importance of the autonomy of national production and the promotion of scientific research in Brazil.
“We have established the strategy of making the country independent in vaccine production. In short: if the planet can’t sell us vaccines, we can sell vaccines to the planet. And also reduce our dependence on medicines.”
Marcos Pontes also announced that he invited billionaire Richard Branson, from Virgin Galactic – a company that offers orbital flights for tourists – to set up a launch center in Brazil.