Science has long ceased to be an exclusive concern of scientists and has become a strategic element in State affairs. In the so-called knowledge society, where political and economic hegemony is almost always proportional to the degree of scientific and technological independence, this relationship becomes even more acute.
Since the 1950s, the Brazilian scientific community has strived to consolidate a State policy focused on Science and Technology. For example, the creation of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes), which became fundamental for the country, date from this period. Currently, it would be impossible to imagine that Brazil can meet the main national demands, with social and economic growth, without the action of institutions focused on scientific research.
Public state universities in São Paulo (USP, UNICAMP and UNESP) account for more than 35% of national scientific production and are responsible for 35% of excellent postgraduate programs in the country. They occupy a prominent place among Brazilian universities in terms of innovations, as well as in international higher education rankings. Considering the great national prominence in the scientific and technological scenario, it was with great surprise and concern that these institutions received the news about the 42% cut in expenses and investments by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications (MCTIC), announced at the end of March by the federal government, as well as cuts in funding for federal universities announced by the Ministry of Education (MEC).
Surprise, because the current government reached the Presidency of the Republic waving an increase in investments in ST&I, going from the current 1,5% of GDP to 3%, as occurs in the European Union. And concern because a measure of this nature will have harmful consequences not only for the national ST&I system, but for society as a whole. Strategic sectors, such as health, energy and agriculture, for example, will certainly be seriously affected if these budget constraints are not corrected.
Federal public funding agencies that are part of the national ST&I system are fundamental to the functioning of universities, which depend on these resources to finance their lines of research. It is important to remember that 95% of Brazilian scientific production is carried out in public, federal or state universities, and by research institutes, such as the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz). Interrupting the flow of resources to these institutions, as well as universities, constitutes a strategic mistake that will prevent the country from facing many of its social challenges.
São Paulo state universities, through the Council of Rectors of São Paulo State Universities (CRUESP), express their full support for the actions organized by the national scientific community led by the Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science (SBPC), the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and other entities , in defense of research and against cuts in resources for the national ST&I and higher education system, in the expectation that the undeniable counterpart given by Brazilian scientific institutions to the taxes paid by taxpayers will be recognized and respected.
Council of Rectors of São Paulo State Universities
Campinas, May 4, 2019
