A A week dedicated to the Cerrado: Scientific communication in health and environment through games and art

Abstract

Every year, FIOCRUZ Brasília takes part in the National Week of Science and Technology (SNCT), a key public policy aimed at the dissemination and popularization of science. In 2024, the theme of the SNCT was ‘Biomes of Brazil: diversity, knowledge, and social technologies’. FIOCRUZ Brasília organized an event aligned with the local territory – the Cerrado biome – and especially aimed at children and adolescents. Studies have shown that young people still know little about the biome they inhabit and fail to recognize the Cerrado’s natural and cultural richness, which hampers conservation efforts. To address this situation, the 2024 SNCT at FIOCRUZ Brasília offered a series of playful and interactive activities focused on the Cerrado. This report aims to describe and analyze the program, which incorporated science, art, and games. The event was successful, drawing visitors from several regions of the Federal District (DF). Attendees were engaged and expressed satisfaction with the activities. However, it is essential to increasingly involve researchers in the field of science communication and to develop more dialogical practices grounded in active listening and public participation.