Zika Science in Action: notes on Scientific Production in Times of Urgency in Recife/PE.

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2237-2423.v12i1p24-40

Keywords:

Zika Epidemic, Legacy, Scientific Knowledge

Abstract

In 2015, Brazil faced a new pathogen: the Zika virus. Transmitted by a well-known vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the Zika virus brought severe reproductive consequences to the tropics, culminating in the birth of children with multiple disabilities. This epidemic became a public health emergency, mobilizing healthcare professionals, health authorities, and the media. Among these actors were also scientists, who conducted extensive research between 2015 and 2018 to understand the unknown phenomenon. This article focuses on these scientists and it aims at two main questions: a) How did the Zika epidemic influence scientific production and its practices? b) Were there lasting impacts on science resulting from this epidemic? To explore these questions, we analyze interviews with 78 scientists involved in the Zika response and surveys. The interviews were conducted between 2020 and 2021 in the capital of Pernambuco and it's part of a collective research project financed by FAP/DF.

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Author Biographies

  • Giovanna Dias, University of Brasília

    Graduanda em Ciências Sociais com habilitação em Sociologia pela Universidade de Brasília.

  • Thais Valim, University of Brasília

    Doutoranda em Antropologia pelo Programa de Pós Graduação em Antropologia Social da Universidade de Brasília. 

References

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Published

2025-11-16

Issue

Section

Dossiê "Uma Antropologia da Ciência do Zika"

How to Cite

Dias, G., & Valim, T. (2025). Zika Science in Action: notes on Scientific Production in Times of Urgency in Recife/PE. Primeiros Estudos, 12(1), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2237-2423.v12i1p24-40