Rio has been home to a number of hugely significant scientists, who have made great inroads and discoveries, and helped shape the international scientific discourse.

Amongst some of the city's great names include Maurício Oscar da Rocha e Silva (1910-1983), a doctor, pharmacist and chemist, and Oswaldo Cruz (1872-1917), a well-loved doctor and epidemiologist, famous for having eradicated Yellow Fever from the then federal capital of Rio.

In light of such amazing scientific advances paved by carioca thinkers, it is of great cultural importance that Rio's influence on the scientific world is registered, remembered and disseminated to the people of the city. Many Cultural Centers place particular emphasis on this remit, structuring their events and exhibitions around science.