Last Monday (02/01), in Brasília (DF), Luciana Santos took over the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and stressed that the return of the scholarship program for research is among the priorities of the government of President Luiz Ignatius Lula da Silva.
"Research grants cannot be treated as handouts, but as an investment in the country's future", he declared, noting that he will work to recompose the Brazilian science budget with the National Congress, including updating the CNPQ and CAPES research grants , which, according to her, is essential for the formation of human capital. "I embrace the commitment to work tirelessly so that Science, Technology and Innovation are a pillar of national development", added the minister, who spoke about the concern and the need to enable young people's access to universities and research institutes.
The first woman to hold the position, Luciana Santos pointed out the difficulties and lack of opportunity for minorities, and assured that, during her term, she will present equity solutions. "We are making sure that girls and women have guaranteed spaces in scientific and technological careers". She also mentioned the covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing that without science we would not have a vaccine, and congratulated Fiocruz and Instituto Butantã, which are considered global references in research in the country.
For the minister, the development of an integrated technological system for the Amazon will also be a priority, with a focus on biotechnology and preservation of the region. Another project is to implement the Brazilian nuclear reactor and strengthen the national space program, considering that the great challenge is to have autonomy in the Brazilian airspace.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry's headquarters, was attended by parliamentarians, ministers of the federal government, former portfolio holders, university presidents and the scientific community.
 

Luciana Santos CV - Electrical engineer, the new minister has already served two terms as a federal deputy (2011-2019). She was a member of committees for Science and Technology, Communication and Information Technology, Urban Development and Culture.

Previously, she was a state deputy, mayor of Olinda for two terms and, most recently, vice-governor of Pernambuco. She was also State Secretary for Science and Technology, in 2009, during the government of Eduardo Campos (PSB) in Pernambuco.
National president of the PCdoB, his trajectory in politics began with his participation in the student movement, as a student at the Federal University of Pernambuco.