The Government of the State of São Paulo announced this Wednesday (20) the transfer of R$ 1 billion to the three state universities in São Paulo (USP, Unesp and Unicamp) and to Fapesp. The supplementary credit is part of the institutions' 2021 budget and will be allocated to investments in physical and technological structure and student retention programs. The budget of R$17,13 billion for Science and Technology in the State in 2022 was also announced.
The commitment was formalized in a meeting at Palácio dos Bandeirantes, in São Paulo, with the presence of governor João Dória; the Secretary of Economic Development of São Paulo, Patricia Ellen; the rectors Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles (Unicamp), Vahan Agopyan (USP) and Pasqual Barretti (Unesp); the president of Fapesp, Marco Antonio Zago; and the president of the Academy of Sciences of the State of São Paulo (Aciesp), Vanderlan Bolzani. "Whoever defends science defends democracy. This is a basic principle of democracy: defending access to education, the right to research and the need to invest in science and technology", highlighted João Dória to the leaders of the institutions.
The division of the supplementary credit will follow the distribution criteria of the 9,57% ICMS share. Thus, Unicamp will receive R$229,4 million, divided into R$118,7 million for investments in infrastructure and connectivity, R$83 million for student retention programs and R$27,7 million available for other demands.
"This is an investment that helps solve current problems, but also opens up opportunities for the future", highlighted the dean of Unicamp, Antonio Meirelles. For him, it is necessary for universities to explore the potential for coordinated work in higher education offered in the State: "We can expand the joint action of the three universities and take a leap forward in our internationalization. It is a unique opportunity that universities have to face the difficulties generated in the past. We can continue to act in a very positive way."
Meirelles also highlighted the importance of student retention programs for the educational and social mission of universities. "Just as with USP and Unesp, for Unicamp permanence is an essential issue. A large number of our students do not live in the Campinas region. We know that the return of the pandemic brings people with much greater financial difficulties. Maintaining these programs guarantees the role of universities in training people and inclusion through education, which gives a much better life perspective for the future", he stated.
More resources for Science and Technology
In 2022, the budget allocated to Science, Technology and Innovation in the State will increase by 20,5% compared to 2021. The amount foreseen for the Annual Budget Law (LOA) is R$ 17,13 billion and will be allocated to state universities, Fapesp and the Technological Research Institute (IPT).
At Unicamp, the 2022 budget will be R$3,73 billion, which represents an increase of 17% compared to 2021. For Fapesp, a research funding body in the State of São Paulo, the growth will be 15% , totaling a budget of R$1,86 billion.
