Editorial
A scientometric analysis of scientific activity in different fields, in Brazil during 1981-1995, by Prof. Gideon Czapski of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and contracted by the Brazilian Science and Technology Ministry, showed that Brazilian science nearly doubled is percentage of the world publications in this period (from 0.43% to 0.8%). The specific growth rate is 1.57 times higher than the average world growth. Of the 24 fields analysed, only 6 - Economics and Business (189), Computer Science (349), Law (6), Materials Science (810), Education (64) and Psychology and Psychiatry (298) had less 1000 publications in the scientific journals covered by the ISI (Institute of Science Information). A total of 3580 papers were published in the field of Chemistry, without taking into account the Biochemistry publications, which were computed in the field of Biology. It should be noted that in Materials Science, one the fields whose growth was twice the world-wide growth, the participation of chemists is important.
A comparison of the number of Chemistry publications in the periods of 81-89 and 90-95 shows an increase from an average of 170 to 340 per year. This growth can at least partly be credited to the PADCT (Support Programme for Scientific and Technological Development), and demonstrates that the community of chemists made good use of these funds. Prof. Czapskianalysis shows clearly, however, that in spite of its gorwth,in the last fifteen years, Brazilian chemistry still has little expression in the world scenario.
An increase in the Chemistry research funding will no doubt help the field to improve its uncomfortable 34th place in the world ranking, wich in incompatible with the inportance of the Brazilian chemicals industry, as would be encountered in a developed economy.
Angelo da Cunha Pinto
Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
10 Sept 2010 -
Date of issue
1997
