Academic gardening: from the sweet perfume of roses to the narrowness of their thorns

Abstract

The Brazilian graduate program was originated in the 1930s, from the Decree No. 19.851/31, aiming to implement the scientific research in all fields of human knowledge as a purpose of higher education. In 1951, the Law No. 1.310/51 was responsible for creating the National Research Council (CNP), today the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). This institution ensures the formation of researchers and scholars in all areas of knowledge, through programs, grants and investments. That same year, the Decree No. 29.741/51 created the Campaign for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), the forerunner of the current Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, with the purpose of assessing and funding the Brazilian graduate programs(1). It is worth mentioning that, in the assessment of graduate programs, CAPES is based on objective and subjective criteria that are analyzed by peer experts from several areas of knowledge; on the meritocratic nature of the programs; and on the current policies for the development of these programs.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15253/2175-6783.2013000200001