The Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz's Scientific Vocation Program (Provoc) as a valuable educational strategy

Abstract

The velocity and variety of scientific and technological advances have brought substantial changes to the processes of goods production and of social relations. A concern that inevitably arises within this context is the urgent need to train professionals to work in fields related to science and technology, especially in countries on the so-called periphery, where the quantitative growth of the universe of researchers is fundamental to competing on the world market. Since 1986, the Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) has been introducing students to the study of biomedical science through its Scientific Vocation Program (Provoc). The article examines this experience based on the results of a study conducted among high school student participants in Provoc. Placing the issue within the context of Brazilian reality, the article concludes by recommending that Provoc be intensified and expanded to include other areas of knowledge, in view of the program's excellent results in identifying and encouraging students with talents in the biomedical area.