Public collaboration to improve the future for science in Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is facing a concerning scientific crisis as a result of persistent anti-science campaigns, decreasing support for public universities and pro-environmental policies, exacerbated by investment cuts to scientific agencies. While recent pro-science policies could mitigate some of this damage, the inherited public distrust in science will potentially threaten scientific progress for years to come. Since trust in science is influenced by political ideologies, combating this distrust presents a formidable challenge, demanding a strategy for public engagement and attenuation of the effects of political polarisation on science and technology. Scientific citizenship is essential to improve the way society perceives science and implements science-based policies. Funding a federal citizen science bureau to support participatory initiatives of knowledge production could bring various benefits, including increased public acceptance of science and environment protection, compliance with international agreements and UN goals, as well as higher scientific literacy among the public. It could also recover the failing trust in science, expand support for current and future citizen science initiatives, and improve minorities’ access to scientific collaboration. In summary, it would provide a way to recover the role of science and thereby support public policies in Brazil with global benefits.