Launched in January 2020 the Serrapilheira blog on Folha de S.Paulo, and officially transformed into a column in 2025,   “Ciência Fundamental” (Fundamental Science) has established itself as a platform for visibility for Brazil’s young scientists, the column’s main contributors. Supported by Serrapilheira’s communication team throughout the entire process, from defining themes to editing, they hone their writing skills for an educated but non-specialist adult audience. In fundamental Science, young researchers discuss topics from their research fields in a relaxed tone. They also reflect on related issues, such as diversity in Science and the scientific process. Original illustrations accompany all posts, and some are also published in the print version of Folha de S.Paulo.

Example of Impact: The books  “Incerteza quântica” (Quantum Uncertainty) and “A ciência da gestação” (The Science of Pregnancy)

In 2022, physicist Rafael Chaves’s writings caught the attention of Companhia das Letras, who invited him to write a popular science book on quantum mechanics. “Quantum Uncertainty” was published in September by Zahar, a publisher part of Companhia das Letras.

In 2025, Brazilian scientist and author at Ciência Fundamental, Rossana Soletti, released the book “The Science of Pregnancy”, also published by Companhia das Letras. The book presents scientific advances and the figures who helped shape our understanding of human reproduction.

Illustration gallery

Our texts are always accompanied by original illustrations. Check them out in the gallery.