#  Helena Nader Highlights Urgency of Science and Technology Investment in Brazil at Haddad Distinguished Lecture 

 





November 21, 2024

 

 

In early October, Helena Nader, President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, captivated an audience at the Haddad Distinguished Lecture hosted by DRCLAS. Joined by Professor Marcia Castro, Nader's talk, titled *“Why Brazil Must Prioritize Strategic Investments in Science, Technology, and Innovation for a Sustainable Future,”* shed light on the critical importance of aligning scientific research with societal needs to drive Brazil's technological and socioeconomic progress.

While Brazil ranks 13th in global scientific publications, it holds the 49th spot in innovation—a clear indicator of the disconnect between research output and its real-world impact. Nader stressed that reversing this trend requires addressing the downturn in scientific production and the country’s heavy reliance on private higher education, which often lacks oversight. These challenges, she pointed out, have worsened with the rise of remote learning during the pandemic. “Distance learning is essential and here to stay, but some in-person contact is critical, which many of these courses lack,” she remarked.

The education sector's issues are compounded by broader challenges. Brazil’s ranking of 89th on the Human Development Index, alongside unpredictable economic growth, highlights the country's struggle to reach its full potential. Additionally, a decline in population growth suggests that Brazil’s demographic advantage may soon vanish, threatening future economic development. “We have a long road ahead,” Nader said, emphasizing the need for immediate strategic investment.

 ![Haddad Lecture 2024](/sites/g/files/omnuum12451/files/2024-11/_MG_3392.jpeg)

 

Despite the hurdles, Nader remains optimistic about Brazil’s ability to become a leader in sustainable technologies. She pointed to areas like agricultural innovation, renewable energy, and biofuels as fields where Brazil has a unique opportunity to excel. However, she also warned of significant gaps in sectors like healthcare, where Brazil depends heavily on foreign companies with limited local contributions. Initiatives by the Ministry of Health to boost domestic innovation, she suggested, could decrease this dependence and yield benefits for the entire Global South, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

Nader concluded with a call for increased international collaboration, particularly from Brazilian researchers abroad. “What I ask is that you collaborate with Brazil and with researchers back home. You don’t have to return—though, of course, it would be wonderful if you did—but there’s so much you can do for the country from abroad,” she urged, reinforcing her belief that a united global effort is essential to advancing Brazil’s scientific and technological future.

The Haddad Distinguished Lecture was established in honor of Claudio Haddad, Chair of the DRCLAS Brazil Office Advisory Group since 2006, and President and founder of Insper, a leading not-for-profit business and economics school in Brazil.



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Cambridge ](/locations/cambridge-office)
- [ Brazil Studies ](/programs-initiatives/brazil-studies)
 
 

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