The IV International Science Festival in Paraguay has broken attendance records in its 2026 edition. The event gathered 1,669 participants across Asunción, Coronel Oviedo, and Caaguazú over six days. Organised by Ciencia del Sur, the event strengthened national scientific outreach. The Paraguay Science Festival highlighted growing public interest in science and research nationwide.
Record turnout across three cities
The festival featured more than 30 free activities across multiple disciplines. These included lectures, workshops, astronomical observations, and meetings with researchers. Attendance surpassed 2025 figures, which reached around 1,500 participants. The growth confirms a steady rise in public engagement with science in Paraguay. Students and families also took part in the programme.
Organisers emphasised the decentralisation of scientific knowledge across the country. Activities took place not only in Asunción but also in Coronel Oviedo and Caaguazú. At the closing conference, Antonio Cubilla highlighted regional scientific development. He noted stronger research capacity in universities and institutes outside the capital. The closing event was hosted at the National University of Caaguazú.
Cubilla also stressed that scientific decentralisation strengthens national development. He pointed to emerging research hubs in several departments. These include Caaguazú, Itapúa, Ñeembucú, and Alto Paraná. The festival showed that knowledge production is expanding beyond Asunción. This shift was a central theme of the 2026 edition.
Awards and international voices
The programme included international participation from evolutionary biologist Blumina Romero. She explained how scientific discoveries begin with well-formed questions. Romero illustrated how evolutionary biology helps shape new research pathways. Her contribution added an international academic perspective to the festival. The sessions encouraged dialogue between scientists and young participants.
The festival also recognised outstanding researchers for their contributions to science and ethics. Awards were given to philosopher José Manuel Silvero Arévalos and biochemist Gladys Estigarribia Sanabria. The recognitions highlighted contributions to Paraguayan scientific development and interdisciplinary research. Their work spans philosophy, bioethics, and medical sciences. The awards reinforced the value of research leadership in the country.
A growing scientific culture in Paraguay
The event received institutional recognition from CONACYT. At the same time, a national resolution declared the festival of institutional interest. This support underlines the importance of science communication in national policy. It also reflects growing institutional backing for outreach initiatives.
With record attendance and broader national participation, the festival marks a milestone for Paraguayan science. It demonstrates increasing collaboration between institutions, researchers, and the public. The 2026 edition reinforces Paraguay’s expanding scientific culture.
