08/06/2022

Brazil has more faith in science than other countries.

Brazilians are the most trusting of science and scientists in the world. A survey conducted by the multinational company 3M shows that 92% of Brazilian respondents believe in science and 90% trust scientists, while the global average is 86%. The" State of Science Index Survey " polled 17,000 people from 17 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. In Brazil, 1,000 people participated in the survey, which was conducted online and in person between September and December 2021.

According to 87% of Brazilians surveyed, there are no negative consequences when science and scientific production are valued. And 92% would like to know more about the work done by scientists.

“This is the sixth survey conducted globally by 3M and it shows that the general population sees science and technology as drivers of humanity's quality of life. Data from Brazil indicates that 92% trust science, regardless of social class, age, gender, and prior technical knowledge, something that positively surprised us. This shows us that Brazilians have realized that the work of scientists positively impacts our daily lives,” Paulo Gandolfi, director of the research and development department at 3M and responsible for the research in Latin America, told Valor and Globo.

The survey also addressed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Nine out of ten Brazilians interviewed said it is important to increase diversity and inclusion in these areas, and 79% believe that underrepresented minorities often do not receive equal access to STEM education.

Scientific research contributes to advancements in society.

The survey indicated that, in Brazil, 95% of the population recognizes the importance of science in daily life. Whether in health, technology, or various other areas, scientific research is essential for the development of society. And mathematics is directly related to these advances. So much so that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasized that mathematicians have an important role in solving the main challenges of today and in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and also advocated that they should be on government scientific councils to assist in decision-making.

At IMPA, the Pi Center (IMPA Center for Projects and Innovation) was created precisely with the objective of transferring mathematical technology and training highly skilled professionals to the productive sector. Among the laboratory's projects are a partnership with Dasa , which resulted in the creation of an algorithm capable of evaluating the amount of amniotic fluid, and with Vale , which used geostatistics and artificial intelligence to assess the economic viability of mining activities.

“IMPA has been seeking tools to advance the application of mathematics in real life and, in particular, in economic activity. The Pi Center was the best way to achieve this goal, which also involves training people and transferring technology related to mathematics from within academia to companies,” said IMPA's Director-General, Marcelo Viana, in an interview with TV Brasil .