In its rotating presidency of Mercosur, Brazil presented its science and technology (S&T) proposals to other countries in the bloc at the Itamaraty palace in Brasilia on Monday (October 1). The first meeting of the working group on the issue involved biotechnology, nanotechnology, network connections, natural disaster prevention, water management and information and communication technologies (ICT).

“The issue of S&T is becoming increasingly important for our countries," said Alvaro Prata, Secretary of Technological Development and Innovation at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). “There are decisions that we need to take according to our own interests, but we have many common goals. We must, therefore, make sure that our actions converge and all the tools we have at our disposal in the block are used effectively."

Carlos Nobre, Secretary of Policies and Programs for Research and Development at the MCTI, proposed four ideas related to the environment. One idea puts the National Center for Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alerts (Cemaden/MCTI) at the service of Mercosur. “Since Brazil has invested heavily in the creation of this modern institution, Cemaden would function as a node, a network focused on studying aspects related to physical and social vulnerability in addition to the environment,” explained Noble. Another idea would strengthen scientific and technical cooperation activities in Antarctica.

A necessary link to the other proposals, the integration of research networks in the block gained unanimous support at the meeting. The presentation was given by Nelson Simões, the director general of the National Education and Research Network (RNP). “Countries with significant growth in science and technology have been concerned with safeguarding what we now call e-science, which is basically groups, laboratories, equipment and people coming together, regardless of location,” he said. “Experts say that research networks will be essential elements to a country's competitiveness and development.”

04 October 2012