Cruesp Notice No. 10/2021
Demonstration by the rectors of São Paulo State Universities
São Paulo, October 1, 2021.
The Bottom of the Well
The Brazilian scientific community was surprised by the decision of the Federal Court of the State of Rio de Janeiro that ordered the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes) to immediately suspend the evaluation of ongoing postgraduate programs.
Over these more than 70 years, the country has developed, through CAPES, a system of stimulation, financing and evaluation of postgraduate studies that has been improving over this time, supported by international experiences, through academic peer review. . This system – initially annual, then triennial and, in the last two quadrennial periods, has effectively contributed to the advancement in Brazil, in the qualified training of human resources for teaching and research institutions and in innovation in the private sector and, consequently, in research science and innovation. The postgraduate evaluation process, which dates back to 1976, has been a differentiator for the construction of a robust, efficient, transparent and internationally recognized National Postgraduate System, providing the country with the possibility of reducing its dependence in the short term scientific and technological.
The consistent evaluation carried out by CAPES has attributed immeasurable value to the quality and consolidation of research in Brazil, equally among all institutions. We emphasize that there is no unpredictability in the evaluation criteria, as argued by the MPF, since the evaluation has always been based on objective criteria, expressed in documents prepared for each of the 49 major areas of knowledge. All these documents are exhaustively debated with the academic community and scientific societies and made publicly available before of each evaluation process. Particularly, in relation to different forms of scientific production, respecting the particularities of each area, the evaluation involves systematic consultations with the academic community, as well as analysis, equalization and collegial approval by the CTC-ES. As for course and program grades, these are defined after the arduous evaluation, and reflect dynamic behavior, performance and maturity of each area of knowledge, conducted responsibly by thousands of consultants linked to public and private higher education institutions and research institutes.
The abrupt interruption of the quadrennial evaluation puts the entire postgraduate system and Brazilian scientific production, which are closely linked, at risk. Given the apparent lack of knowledge about the training system for teachers and researchers in Brazil explained in the terms of the aforementioned legal action, it is important to reiterate that changes to the evaluation system at each cycle are specific, discussed with the scientific community and widely publicized.
It should also be emphasized that only appreciation and persistent scientific and technological investment will make this country socially equitable, technologically developed and independent. Thus, taking into account the responsibilities of the Brazilian State with culture, teaching, research and the country's technological independence, we, the Council of Rectors of Universidades Estaduais Paulistas (CRUESP) and former coordinators of postgraduate areas, reiterate may common sense and public spirit prevail, with the immediate resumption of this serious and unique evaluation process, which honors and fills us with pride.
Vahan Agopyan – Rector of USP (President of Cruesp)
Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles – Rector of Unicamp
Pasqual Barretti – Rector of Unesp
