Brazil Launches Landmark National Event for Philosophy of Science
The academic community in Brazil is preparing for a significant milestone in higher education and research with the upcoming I Congresso Brasileiro de Filosofia da Ciência. Scheduled to take place from July 13 to 18, 2026, at the Universidade de São Paulo (USP), this inaugural congress marks the evolution of longstanding regional initiatives into a truly national platform.
Organized by the Programa de Pós-Graduação em Filosofia at USP, with support from institutions across the country, the event promises to strengthen the field of philosophy of science throughout Brazilian universities and research centers. It builds directly on the success of the Jornadas de Filosofia da Ciência da USP, transforming those gatherings into a broader, more inclusive national congress.
Event Format and Key Dates
The congress adopts a hybrid model to maximize accessibility. The first five days (July 13–17) will be held in person at USP facilities in São Paulo, featuring conferences, lectures, workshops, and parallel paper sessions. The final day, July 18, shifts entirely online with a virtual seminar dedicated to communications and a closing keynote.
Registrations opened in early 2026 with tiered pricing based on participant category and registration period. Options range from student rates around R$199 in the first lot to higher fees for faculty and professionals. Virtual-only participation for the seminar day is available at lower rates starting from R$50.
Academic Scope and Call for Contributions
Philosophy of science in Brazil is interpreted broadly, encompassing general philosophy of science topics such as realism and values in science, as well as specialized areas including philosophy of biology, cognitive sciences, physics, formal sciences, and the history of science. Submissions were invited from researchers, professors, and graduate students, with undergraduate students required to submit jointly with a graduated co-author.
Accepted papers will appear in the congress proceedings with an ISBN, and selected works may be invited for a special issue of the journal Principia: an international journal of epistemology, a Qualis A1 publication.
Photo by Ronan Furuta on Unsplash
Distinguished Speakers and Program Highlights
The program features prominent Brazilian scholars delivering keynote conferences and lectures. Confirmed speakers include Gustavo Caponi from UFSC, Luis Henrique Dutra from UnB, Osvaldo Pessoa Jr. from USP, Luciana Zaterka from UFABC, and Charbel El-Hani from UFBA. Additional lectures will be presented by researchers from institutions such as FURG, UFSJ, UNIFESP, and UNESP.
Three formative workshops aimed at students will provide in-depth training opportunities. Parallel communications sessions are expected to host over 200 presentations, fostering dialogue across regions and subfields. Coffee breaks are designed to encourage networking among the anticipated 300-plus participants.
Significance for Brazilian Higher Education
This congress represents a major step forward in consolidating philosophy of science as a vibrant area within Brazilian academia. By bringing together scholars from diverse institutions and regions, it addresses the need for greater national cohesion in a field that often operates in fragmented regional networks.
For graduate programs, early-career researchers, and faculty members, the event offers valuable opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and visibility. The hybrid format particularly benefits participants from outside São Paulo or those with travel constraints, aligning with broader trends in Brazilian higher education toward inclusive and accessible academic events.
Opportunities for Students and Researchers
Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers will find dedicated spaces for presenting work and receiving feedback. The workshops focus on skill-building, while the publication pathway provides concrete avenues for advancing academic careers. The event also welcomes professors from basic education networks, highlighting connections between university research and teaching at all levels.
Networking during the congress is expected to seed future collaborations, joint projects, and perhaps the formation of stronger national research groups in philosophy of science.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Future Outlook
As the first edition of what organizers hope will become a recurring national congress, this event sets the stage for sustained growth in the discipline. It responds to the increasing importance of philosophical reflection on science in addressing contemporary challenges in technology, environment, health, and ethics.
Success will be measured not only by attendance but by the quality of exchanges, the strength of new networks formed, and the visibility given to Brazilian contributions in international philosophy of science circles. The hybrid structure may serve as a model for other academic events seeking to balance in-person richness with broader reach.
How to Participate
Although the main registration and abstract submission periods have specific deadlines, interested academics are encouraged to visit the official website for the latest information on participation, program updates, and any late opportunities. The event website provides full details on fees, submission guidelines, and the scientific committee.
Participants can expect a welcoming environment that values both established voices and emerging researchers from across Brazil’s higher education landscape.
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