Lula accredits IMPA as an institute of higher education

06/12/2023

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva approved on Wednesday (5) the accreditation of IMPA (Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics) as a Higher Education institution. The accreditation authorizes the start of activities at IMPA Techthe institute’s first undergraduate course. Alongside the Minister of Education, Camilo Santana, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos, the president celebrated the opening of the selection process for the bachelor’s degree in Mathematics of Technology and Innovation.

“Brazil is the country that trains the most lawyers in the world. Nothing against that, but we need to train more in mathematics, engineering, physics, courses that are essential for the development of a nation so that we can be more competitive,” said the president.

The event, at the Fairmont Hotel in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, was attended by the governor, Cláudio Castro, the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes, and the director general of IMPA, Marcelo Viana, as well as other authorities.

Free and innovative, the bachelor’s degree in Mathematics of Technology and Innovation will be based at Porto Maravalley – the city council’s technology hub that will bring together, in addition to the faculty, startups and technology companies, creating a unique environment for students.

“What we’re going to do with IMPA Tech is to take everyone in Brazil who does well and give them a scholarship to study for free here in Rio. The kids in Brazil who make the effort and go for it will have an opportunity,” said Paes, according to whom the city government is buying around 70 apartments next to the college to serve as housing for the students.

The course starts in April 2024 and will cater for up to 100 students in the first year, with investments of R$16.7 million. Each year, the number of students grows: the 2nd year will have 200 students and an investment of R$29.2 million; the 3rd, 300 students and R$41.7 million; and the 4th year will have 400 students and R$55.9 million.

Viana spoke of the importance of investing in mathematics for the country’s development. “We’re going to do a degree that is not only free, but also offers aid, accommodation, food, housing and support for students. So that it is accessible to any qualified young person in Brazil. Mathematics can generate a lot of wealth. Studies show that it generates between 15% and 20% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of countries like the United Kingdom and France.”

Minister Camilo Santana highlighted the innovative nature of the project. “It will be a course to take advantage of the great talents of the young people who take part in the Math Olympiad here in Brazil. We’re going to bring academia together with companies and the world of work,” he said.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos, celebrated the importance of the OBMEP (Brazilian Public School Math Olympics) in the education of thousands of students. “Currently, anyone who wins a medal at the OBMEP can take part in the Junior Scientific Initiation Program and compete for scholarships in undergraduate courses. The Olympiads reveal talent, stimulate study and interest in knowledge. And now students who excel will be able to ensure that they continue their education at the great mathematics institute that is IMPA.”

Admissions

For 2024, the competition will use students’ performance in knowledge olympiads or the ENEM (National High School Exam). Up to 80 places will be offered to medal-winning students at certain levels of the OBMEP (Brazilian Public School Mathematics Olympiad); the OBM (Brazilian Mathematics Olympiad); the OBQ (Brazilian Chemistry Olympiad); the OBF (Brazilian Physics Olympiad); and the OBI (Brazilian Computer Science Olympiad). According to the notice, each medal will guarantee a different score in the IMPA Tech selection process. Another 20 places will be available for candidates with the best performance in Mathematics in the ENEM (National High School Exam).

The registration for the degree must be made through the website impatech.impa.br until December 28th.

About IMPA

The institute is an internationally renowned center for research and postgraduate studies in mathematics, with doctoral, master’s and professional master’s degrees. It is also the organizer of the OBMEP (Brazilian Public School Mathematics Olympiad), the largest scientific Olympiad in the world in terms of number of participants. With the graduation, IMPA is consolidating its position as a higher education institution of excellence, disseminating mathematics and training professionals of the highest academic standard.