Scientific praxis and political praxis: the CNPq and the emblematic case of nuclear energy in the years 1951-1964
Big science; CNPQ; Nuclear energy
This work presents the first step of the PhD research, bringing two chapters. In the first chapter, a conjuncture analysis is made, understanding the called Big Science as a geopolitical result, such as atomic and nuclear research. As part of the contextual analysis, we also look how Brazil suited to modern science global development, based on the institutionalization and professionalization of scientific research, opening the relation between scientific research and public politics, where National Research Council (CNPq) has been the main result of Big Science in Brazil’s 1950 decade. In the second chapter, firsts CNPq’s scientific political data are presented, such as the differences between research grants and scientific aids, their amount and distribution among Brazilian states. After that, a case study about enterprises participation at the first Brazilian nuclear program is made, watching Prospec S.A. history and its connections with Brazilian government and the CNPq.