Visiting Butantan to see snakes up close is the dream of many children in São Paulo, who thus learn to appreciate this frequently vilified animal. For decades, most people in Brazil have known that the institute in São Paulo is the best destination for captured snakes because it produces antivenom, in addition to developing vaccines and conducting scientific research. The institution’s broad range of communication activities were recognized by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) when it was declared the winner of the 44th José Reis Award for Scientific and Technological Dissemination, as announced on May 13. Created in 1901 to combat an outbreak of bubonic fever in the state of São Paulo, the institute expanded its operations over time and has now been recognized for its work in research, teaching, culture, and scientific communication. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Butantan’s media outlets dedicated themselves to sharing information relevant to the moment and denying rumors about vaccines. The institute promotes science through its museums at the Butantan Science Park, social media channels, website, and YouTube channel. In May, the Butantan Instagram profile focused on sharing information about diseases that could be transmitted as a result of the floods in Rio Grande do Sul (CNPq and Butantan, May 14).
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