Minister highlighted as priorities the resumption of the budget of the portfolio and the FNDCT, updating the values of scholarships and the inclusion of women in science
Photo: Wesley Sousa
Electrical engineer Luciana Santos took over the post of Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation on Monday (2) and is the first woman to hold the post. The transfer of office took place at the MCTI headquarters, in Brasília, with the presence of parliamentarians, ministers of the federal government, former portfolio holders, university presidents and the scientific community.
In her speech, the minister listed as priorities for the new management the recomposition of the area's budget and full implementation of the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT); update of CNPq research grant values; policies for the access of young people to university; inclusion of girls and women in science and support for structuring projects in partnership with other ministries and development institutions.
“I want to highlight our commitment to the expansion and consolidation of the National System of ST&I, reducing regional asymmetries and expanding the CNPq scholarship program. We will support structuring projects for technological and innovation industrial complexes in areas such as health, information, digital communication, energy, food and Defense. We will give priority to structuring an integrated program for the development of the Amazon. We will resume the remote sensing satellite program in partnership with China, enabling the CBERS 5 and 6 missions”, he listed.
Other initiatives pointed out by the minister as goals are the execution of the Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor project; the strengthening of the Brazilian Space Program seeking the autonomy of Brazilian access to space; the launch of a new Brazilian ST&I Strategy; the review of the CEITEC liquidation and formulation of a strategy for the semiconductor sector, in addition to the resumption of the National Science and Technology Conference to strengthen dialogue with the scientific community.
Luciana Santos also highlighted the role of science, technology and innovation in solving national problems, reducing inequalities, guaranteeing the country's sovereignty and seeking international cooperation to achieve these goals.
“We really have a long journey ahead of us, but I want to tell you that I am extremely motivated and determined. If the challenges are immense, the prospects are even greater. We have a talented, capable people, building diverse experiences in every corner of this country. Let's take advantage of Brazilian intelligence. I will use this motivation and experience in public management to assert the historic fact of being the first female Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in Brazil”.
Streaming
At the transmission ceremony, the minister also received the Order of Scientific Merit from former minister Paulo Alvim. Alvim thanked for the opportunity to have been part of the portfolio, recounted his trajectory within the National System of Science and Technology and recalled the challenges faced by the ministry.
“I am delighted to pass the baton of ministry to the first female minister. Last year, we had a breakthrough when Professor Helena Nader assumed the presidency of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences after 100 years. This is important. I speak as a father of four daughters, we need more women in ST&I and innovative entrepreneurship to add value, generate wealth and work to solve society's problems. This is the role of science and technology”, he pointed out.
Profile
Born in Recife, Luciana Santos is an electrical engineer who graduated from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). She was the first woman to hold the position of vice-governor of Pernambuco, elected in 2018. Luciana also chaired the Pernambuco Institute of Weights and Measures (1995-1996); was state deputy of Pernambuco (1997-2000); mayor of Olinda for two consecutive terms (2001-2008); Secretary of Science, Technology and Environment of Pernambuco (2009-2010) and federal deputy for two consecutive terms (2011-2018).
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