Congressos Científicos: a Junta de Educação Nacional e as Redes Internacionais de Comunicação em Ciência

Abstract

Scientific meetings and conferences began to play an important role in the setting up of transnational communication networks in the early 20th century, signalling the emergence and growth of scientific research as a profession. From 1929 to 1936, the National Education Board sought greater involvement for Portugal in such networks through the subsidization of Portuguese representation at various international meetings which were held. A lack of resources prevented the goal of ensuring the kind of representation worthy of science produced at the domestic level from being achieved, and in the event Portuguese involvement remained at a low level, both in terms of the number of meetings held and the number of Portuguese scientists who receiving funding for participation at meetings. Nevertheless, the profile of scientists who did take part in this process and the demands made on them by the state as part of the process of applying for funding are indicative of its concern to promote its prestige at the international level.