SBPC warns science and strategic issues are missing from electoral debates

The Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science (SBPC) has expressed concern regarding the lack of scientific and strategic topics in the 2026 electoral debates. Francilene Garcia, president of the entity, noted that political crises and institutional denunciations have dominated campaign discussions, sidelining essential issues for national development.

Key topics currently absent from candidate agendas include climate change, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and preparations for future health crises or pandemics. The SBPC also highlighted the need for discussions on technological advancement, critical mineral processing, and the resilience of the Unified Health System (SUS).

To address this gap, the SBPC launched the 'Observatório das Eleições' (Elections Observatory) to present public policy proposals. However, engagement from candidates remains low; while over a hundred candidates have engaged with the proposals, the entity reported a lack of commitment among federal and gubernatorial candidates.