Levantamento institucional das ações e projetos de divulgação científica na área de biociências na Universidade Federal do Ceará

Abstract

With over seventy years of operation, the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) has distinguished itself as a regional and national leader in teaching, research, and outreach. Initiatives such as the Communication and Marketing Office (UFC Informa), University Radio FM, and Seara da Ciência play a significant role in science communication. However, despite the importance of these efforts, UFC lacks a comprehensive institutional policy to effectively coordinate and enhance them. In this context, the present study aims to support the development of guidelines that establish science communication as a fundamental aspect of UFC’s mission,thereby enhancing the institution’s commitment to the democratization and dissemination of knowledge. This descriptive and exploratory research employed an online questionnaire comprising 32 questions as the data collection tool. Initial responses were gathered from information available on the institutional websites of the identified initiatives and, when necessary, supplemented through direct email communication with their coordinators. A total of 79 science communication projects and actions were identified, with 92.4% being active. The majority of initiatives (83%) are associated with outreach projects, with significant participation from undergraduate students, particularly those in health and biological sciences programs. Among the communication channels utilized, Instagram is predominant (86.1%), targeting primarily students and young individuals (72.2%). Several recurring gaps were identified: only 29.1% of the initiatives were affiliated with CNPq research groups, 40.3% received no financial support, and 36.1% conducted no form of evaluation. All participants endorsed the establishment of an institutional science communication policy that ensures recognition, structure, and adequate funding. Consequently, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the current landscape and inform future guidelines that integrate science communication as a strategic element of UFC’s mission.