Instituto Questão de Ciência (IQC) - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
The Instituto Questão de Ciência (IQC) is a pioneering Brazilian non-profit organization established in November 2018. Its fundamental mission is to champion scientific and critical thinking, advocating for the integration of scientific evidence into public policy formulation. The IQC emphasizes that evidence, rather than mere opinion, is crucial for national development, recognizing the scientific underpinnings of nearly all significant societal decisions. As the first institute in Brazil dedicated to defending scientific evidence as a criterion for fundamental societal choices, IQC plays a vital role in national and global dialogues, operating across scientific journalism, education, and advocacy fronts.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
The IQC's core objectives revolve around:
Promoting Scientific and Critical Thinking: Actively fostering a culture where scientific inquiry and rational analysis guide understanding and decision-making.
Advocating for Evidence-Based Public Policies: Influencing government and public discourse to ensure that scientific evidence serves as the foundation for policy formulation, particularly in areas like public health.
Combating Pseudoscience and Misinformation: Directly challenging the spread of scientifically unfounded claims and practices, especially those impacting public funds and health.
Popularizing Science: Making complex scientific concepts accessible and understandable to the general public to enhance scientific literacy.
Specialization Areas
The institute specializes in:
Science Communication and Journalism: Translating scientific information into accessible formats for a broad audience through various media channels.
Public Policy Monitoring and Advocacy: Systematically tracking legislative and governmental activities related to science, technology, and health, and actively lobbying for evidence-based approaches.
Data Transparency and Analysis: Developing and utilizing platforms to collect, analyze, and disseminate data concerning scientific funding, productivity, and public health metrics.
Target Markets
IQC primarily targets:
Brazilian Government and Policymakers: Directly influencing decision-makers at federal and state levels to adopt evidence-based policies, particularly regarding public health spending and scientific funding.
The General Public: Educating and informing citizens on scientific matters, fostering critical thinking, and equipping them to distinguish evidence from misinformation.
Academic and Scientific Communities: Collaborating with researchers and institutions to support robust scientific inquiry and data dissemination.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
The Instituto Questão de Ciência operates as a non-profit association, relying on strategic investments and partnerships to fund its initiatives.
Instituto Serrapilheira Investment (2021): The Instituto Serrapilheira provided R$ 500,000.00 to support the Observatório de Políticas Científicas (Scientific Policy Observatory) organized by IQC. This funding was critical for establishing a platform dedicated to providing data, analysis, and training in science, technology, and innovation public policies, advocating for rational and effective governmental approaches.
3. Product Pipeline
IQC's "pipeline development" pertains to its key ongoing projects and initiatives that drive its mission of influencing public discourse and policy.
Key Projects/Services
Observatório de Políticas Científicas (Scientific Policy Observatory):
Description: An online platform created with Instituto Serrapilheira support, designed to display and provide public data on science, technology, public health, and higher education. It compiles data on budgetary execution, scholarship grants, academic productivity, patents, and human resources in science and technology.
Development Stage: Fully operational and continuously updated.
Target Market/Condition: Policymakers, researchers, journalists, and the public interested in science and technology policy and funding.
Key Features and Benefits: Tracks legislative projects, monitors developments in Brasília impacting science and technology, and produces explanatory and investigative articles on these topics.
VacinaBR Platform:
Description: A tool launched in 2024 by the Observatório de Políticas Científicas, developed to monitor, evaluate, and improve vaccination strategies across Brazil.
Development Stage: Fully operational and actively used.
Target Market/Condition: Public health managers, policymakers, and health professionals for informed decision-making regarding vaccination campaigns.
Key Features and Benefits: Provides actionable data and insights to assist in public health management. The 2025 Anuário VacinaBR report, using this platform, highlighted a decline in childhood vaccination coverage in Brazil since 2015, which worsened after 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, showing signs of recovery since 2022.
Partnerships for Data Transparency (CNPq and Fapes):
Description: A collaboration with the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo (Fapes) aimed at enhancing data governance and transparency in managing science and technology funding information in Brazil.
Development Stage: Ongoing project (expected until March 2026).
Target Market/Condition: Government agencies, research institutions, and the scientific community to improve funding transparency and integration.
Expected Timeline: Pilot platform expected in the second semester of this year, with a prototype by September.
Key Features and Benefits: Will create a digital platform to consolidate strategic information and integrate data on state and national research funding.
Research and Advocacy Initiatives:
Description: Continuous engagement in academic research, communication projects, co-development of courses, books, and databases, participation in advisory boards, and direct advocacy efforts.
Development Stage: Ongoing.
Target Market/Condition: Broad public engagement and targeted policy influence.
Key Features and Benefits: Informs the public about scientific issues and pressures decision-makers to incorporate scientific knowledge.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
The IQC leverages advanced digital platforms and data analysis methodologies to fulfill its mission in science communication and public policy advocacy.
Observatório de Políticas Científicas Platform: This online, non-profit platform is a cornerstone of the IQC's technological capabilities. It systematically queries federal and state government databases and uses Freedom of Information Act requests to obtain datasets on public budgetary execution, scholarship grants, academic productivity, patents, intellectual property, and human resources in science and technology, translating these into accessible spreadsheet formats.
Legislative Monitoring Tools: The IQC utilizes specialized platforms, such as Sigalei, for daily monitoring of official gazettes (Diário Oficial), congressional records, and other relevant legislative documents. This enables the generation of weekly reports on legislative actions that impact science, technology, public health, and higher education.
VacinaBR Platform: This constitutes a specialized, data-driven tool engineered to monitor and enhance vaccination strategies, delivering actionable insights for public health managers.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
Natália Pasternak Taschner – President:
Professional Background: Microbiologist with a PhD in Bacterial Genetics from the University of São Paulo (USP). She is a research professor at Columbia University (USA), a Brazilian science writer, and an award-winning author.
Notable Achievements: Recognized globally as a respected source of health and science information, particularly for her pivotal contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic through her columns, books, radio segments, and TV appearances.
Marcelo T. Yamashita – Scientific Director:
Professional Background: Holds a PhD in Physics from the University of São Paulo (USP) with post-doctoral research at ITA. Currently serves as a professor and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Physics (IFT) at the Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio.
Carlos Orsi – Communications Director:
Professional Background: Journalist trained at the School of Communications and Arts (ECA-USP) and an author of popular science books including “Livro dos Milagres,” “Pura Picaretagem,” and “Livro da Astrolog.”
Notable Achievements: Former special reporter and columnist for Jornal da Unicamp and Galileu magazine; served as science, health, and environment editor for Portal Estadão. He is also the editor-in-chief of Revista Questão de Ciência.
Paulo Almeida – Executive Director:
Professional Background: Holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology from USP, a Bachelor's in Law from Faculdade de Direito de Franca, and a specialization in Project Management from Fundação Vanzolini. Currently pursuing a doctorate.
Key Contributions: Actively involved in the new partnership with CNPq and Fapes.
Luiz Almeida – Media Coordinator / Education Director / Researcher:
Professional Background: Biologist with a PhD in Microbiology (Bacterial Genetics) from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at USP. Also a researcher at IQC and the Postgraduate Program in Social, Work, and Organizational Psychology (PSTO) at the University of Brasília (UnB).
Notable Achievements: Offered a Research Methodology course in 2024 and selected as a fellow in the ACE Fellowship program. Co-authored an academic article on vaccine hesitancy.
Marina Ramos – Executive Secretary:
Professional Background: Degree in Literature from the University of São Paulo, with training in Project Management from Fundação Vanzolini. Experienced as a Project Owner.
Cesar Baima – Journalist:
Professional Background: Journalist with over 20 years of experience, previously a reporter for O Globo, covering science.
Reginaldo Santos – Administrative Analyst:
Professional Background: Letters undergraduate student at USP, specializing in Portuguese and Linguistics. Interned at the USP Pro-Rectory of Research.
Daniel Lima – Design Intern:
Professional Background: Design undergraduate student at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie and a self-taught illustrator.
Key Contributions: Worked as a freelance designer and co-created the current design project.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
As a non-profit organization, IQC's growth is reflected in the expansion of its projects and influence rather than traditional corporate hiring surges. The institute actively seeks specialists in science communication, journalism, and advocacy, evident from its diverse team composition which includes journalists, researchers, and administrative staff. IQC also engages interns, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing new talent in its core areas. The institute's growing project scope, particularly with the expansion of the Observatório de Políticas Científicas and new collaborations with governmental bodies, signifies an upward growth trajectory and an increasing need for specialized expertise to sustain its initiatives.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
The Instituto Questão de Ciência maintains a robust and active digital presence, crucial for its mission of science communication and public engagement.
Facebook: A primary channel for engagement, frequently linked from their official website.
YouTube: IQC hosts a YouTube channel featuring discussions on research and topics related to science and education, leveraging YouTube's prominence as a platform for science and technology information among Brazilians.
Twitter/X: Maintains an active presence for real-time engagement and dissemination of information.
LinkedIn: While not explicitly linked, the professional backgrounds of its leadership and the nature of its work imply a significant presence for networking and professional communication.
Brand Messaging and Positioning
IQC's messaging consistently promotes scientific thinking, critical analysis, and the imperative of evidence-based public policies, while actively combating disinformation and campaigning against pseudosciences.
Community Engagement Strategies
The institute employs a multi-faceted approach to engage with the public and influence decision-makers through its journalistic productions, educational initiatives, and advocacy campaigns. The Revista Questão de Ciência, a digital magazine, is central to their efforts in scientific journalism, dedicated to correcting distortions and fostering critical thinking.
Thought Leadership Initiatives
IQC's leadership, notably President Natália Pasternak, serves as a prominent voice in science communication both within Brazil and on the international stage, contributing significantly to the institute's thought leadership.
8. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
International Recognition for Leadership: Natália Pasternak, President of IQC, was a guest of honor at the Science Museum in London's annual dinner in 2024, acknowledging her global leadership in promoting science. She also participated as a guest at the Gesda Summit (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator), a leading conference focused on science diplomacy.
Media Highlights: The VacinaBR platform, a key initiative by IQC, received prominent coverage in O Globo newspaper and Veja Saúde magazine, broadening its visibility and perceived impact.
* Fifth Anniversary Celebrations (2023): The institute's five-year milestone in 2023 highlighted significant achievements in public health, scientific education, and culture, noting expanded audiences and strengthened partnerships as key successes.
9. Competitive Analysis
In Brazil, the landscape of scientific communication and advocacy for evidence-based policies encompasses a range of entities, including university research institutes, science centers, and museums. While the IQC, as a non-profit, does not have direct commercial competitors, it operates in a similar space alongside other organizations dedicated to science dissemination and critical thinking. Historically, research institutes have increased their activities in science communication in Brazil. Despite the continued prevalence of traditional media formats, social media platforms, especially Facebook and YouTube, are widely utilized by Brazilian institutions for communication, mirroring IQC's own digital strategy. The key differentiator for IQC is its specific focus on advocating for scientific evidence in public policy and actively combating pseudosciences, positioning it as a unique and focused voice in the broader science communication ecosystem.
10. Market Analysis
Market Overview
The market for science communication and evidence-based policy advocacy in Brazil is vibrant and characterized by both growing public interest and significant challenges posed by misinformation. Over 60% of Brazilians express interest in science and technology. Social media has become a dominant source for science and technology information, with nearly 40% of respondents in 2023
