Thaís Brianezi
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Manaus - The federal government plans to invest approximately US$ 57 million this year on scientific and technological research in the Amazon. "In 2004 this investment was on the order of US$ 24 million. It has more than doubled, which shows that the intention to support science and technology in the region is being confirmed," commented the president of the Brazilian Society for the Advancement of Science (SBPC), Ennio Candotti, who is in charge of a meeting of around 50 university presidents, deans, and coordinators of research projects from throughout the region at the National Institute of Amazon Studies (INPA), in Manaus.

According to Candotti, investments on science and technology in the Amazon need to be diversified. At present they are concentrated in the area of environment and natural resources. "Investments should also be made in engineering, health, social sciences, and the basic fields of chemistry and physics," he said, yesterday (2).

At the meeting, which ends today (3), the scientists are discussing research projects for the region. One of the projects that should be included in the file they will forward to the Ministry of Science and Technology is the organization of the Amazon Biotechnology Center. "The federal government has already invested US$ 2 million on 12 laboratories that are in the installation phase. Of the 100 top-level scientists to be assigned there, we already have 78 at the institution," informed the Amazonas state secretary of Science and Technology, Marilene Correa.

Translation: David Silberstein