Program Overview

Introduction to the Junior Scientific Initiation Center (NicJr)

The Núcleo de Iniciação Científica Júnior (NicJr) is a program designed to coordinate scientific actions education at the Colégio de Aplicação da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (CAp-UFRJ). The program operates in partnership with several institutions, including the Programa Institucional de Iniciação Científica do Ensino Médio da UFRJ (PIBIC-EM), the Programa de Vocação Científica da FIOCRUZ (PROVOC), the Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Físicas (CBPF), the Fundação Planetário do Rio de Janeiro, and the Instituto de Pesquisa Jardim Botânico.

Objectives of the NicJr Program

The primary objectives of the NicJr program are to:

• Encourage students to engage in research activities
• Contribute to the definition of their professional choices
• Provide early exposure to the academic environment, enabling students to learn research methodologies, teamwork, and scientific result dissemination
• Enhance the articulation between basic education and higher education/research centers

Structure of the NicJr Program

Students from the CAp-UFRJ, starting from the first year of high school, are selected and referred to various research groups in the partner institutions. The selection process for laboratories at UFRJ begins at the NicJr and is completed with an interview conducted by the researcher/orientator. Students referred to laboratories at Fiocruz, CBPF, and PUC-Rio are selected by the NicJr in conjunction with the Provoc/Fiocruz team and the respective institution.

Historical Context

The CAp-UFRJ has been integrating its high school students into various research and scientific dissemination institutions since 1990. This integration has been achieved through partnerships with the Fiocruz Scientific Vocation Program (Provoc-Fiocruz), the Projeto O JOVEM E A CIÊNCIA DO FUTURO developed with the Federation of Experimental Biology Society (FeSBE) and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, and the Initiation Program Científica Júnior developed with the Dean of Postgraduate Studies and Research (PR-2/UFRJ) and professors/researchers from various UFRJ units.

Perspectives and Future Plans

With the creation of the "Programa de Bolsas de Iniciação Científica para o Ensino Médio" (PIBIC-EM) by the CNPq in 2010, which implemented "Iniciação Científica Júnior" scholarships for high school students to intern at universities and research centers, the NicJr sees an opportunity to expand its activities. The program aims to increase the number of students and researchers involved in the NicJr activities in the coming years.

Partner Institutions and Programs

The NicJr partners with several institutions and programs, including:

• Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
• UFRJ Institutional High School Scientific Initiation Program (PIBIC-EM)
• Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)
• FIOCRUZ Scientific Vocation Program (PROVOC)
• Brazilian Center for Physical Research (CBPF)
• Rio de Janeiro Planetarium Foundation
• Botanical Garden Research Institute

These partnerships enable students to participate in research projects, seminars, and scientific events, fostering their scientific education and vocational training.