The Brazilian government is set to launch a series of measures designed to attract researchers, especially those affected by funding cuts in the United States. According to Minister Padilha, thes initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.

A primary focus is attracting researchers specializing in mRNA vaccine technology. This field, crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, has experienced significant resource reductions in the US, leading to layoffs and discontinued research projects.

A study by the commonwealth fund suggests that mRNA technology saved approximately 3 million lives globally during the pandemic. This technology is now being explored for vaccines targeting numerous diseases, including cancer.

“We will anticipate the implementation of research platforms in this area in Fiocruz and the Butantan Institute,” explained Padilha. He added that a new round of investments in the health complex would be announced on May 29, with attracting researchers as a key objective.

Facilitating Clinical Research

“The idea is that this creates space for faster research growth that attracts researchers who are moving away from the US,”

Another key component of the plan, according to padilha, involves streamlining the process for conducting clinical research in Brazil, with the hope that this will further incentivize scientists to relocate.

In 2024, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva approved a new regulatory framework for clinical research. The Ministry of health is currently developing regulations to support this framework. “The idea is that this creates space for faster research development that attracts researchers who are moving away from the US,” the minister said.