Brazilian nurse researcher surrounded by symbols of research and innovation.

Nursing Research in Brazil: Unlocking Key Insights for Career Advancement

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into scientific production, patents, and human resources training to help Brazilian nurses thrive in research and innovation."

Knowledge creation and innovation are central to the progress of any field, and nursing is no exception. In Brazil, as in many countries, understanding the dynamics of research, technological advancements, and professional development is crucial for nurses seeking to advance their careers and contribute to the evolution of healthcare practices.

The National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) plays a vital role in fostering research in Brazil through initiatives like the Research Productivity Scholarship (PQ). These scholarships recognize and support researchers who demonstrate outstanding contributions to their fields. For nurses in Brazil, understanding how these scholarships and research opportunities align with career goals is essential.

This article examines the scientific output, patent activity, and human resources training of nursing researchers in Brazil who have received CNPq PQ scholarships. By analyzing trends and associations, we aim to provide insights for nurses navigating the research landscape and seeking to maximize their impact.

Decoding Research Productivity: What Drives Success for Brazilian Nurses?

Brazilian nurse researcher surrounded by symbols of research and innovation.

A cross-sectional study was conducted analyzing the curriculum lattes of 208 nursing researchers who held active CNPq PQ scholarships between 2000 and 2012. The study looked at scientific production (publications), technology production (patents), and human resources training (supervision of students).

The research classified nurses into higher and lower productivity groups, using the 66.7th percentile as a cutoff. This meant nurses were divided into groups based on the quantity of their scientific publications and training of new researchers. Associations between productivity and factors like gender, education, and origin were also analyzed.

Gender: The study confirmed the predominance of women in Brazilian nursing research. Female researchers showed higher scientific productivity compared to their male counterparts.
Geographic Location: Research activity was concentrated in the Southeast region of Brazil, particularly in the state of São Paulo. However, nurses from other regions, like Ceará, demonstrated high levels of scientific production.
Education: Nurses who completed their doctorates in Brazil had higher scientific production. Postdoctoral studies were also a factor.
Home Institution: Several universities, including USP, UFRJ, and UFC, stood out as centers of high research output.

In human resources training, female researchers also showed a higher contribution through the supervision of scientific initiations, master's and doctoral students.

Navigating the Future: Key Takeaways for Brazilian Nurses in Research

This study underscores the significant role of Brazilian nursing researchers, particularly women, in advancing scientific knowledge and training the next generation of nurses. The concentration of research activity in the Southeast highlights the need for strategic initiatives to decentralize opportunities and foster innovation across the country.

While scientific publications and human resources training are strengths, the limited number of patents reveals a gap between knowledge production and technological innovation. Future efforts should focus on translating research findings into practical applications and promoting entrepreneurial endeavors among nurses.

By understanding the trends and associations identified in this study, Brazilian nurses can make informed decisions about their education, research focus, and career paths. The insights provide a valuable foundation for shaping the future of nursing research and practice in Brazil.

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Everything You Need To Know

How does the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) impact nursing research in Brazil?

The National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) plays a crucial role in supporting research in Brazil. Through programs such as the Research Productivity Scholarship (PQ), CNPq recognizes and supports researchers, including nurses, who have made significant contributions to their fields. This financial backing and recognition are essential for career advancement and for driving innovation in nursing by enabling nurses to dedicate time and resources to research and its related activities.

What is scientific production in the context of nursing research, and why is it important?

Scientific production refers to the publications and research output of nurses. The study analyzed the curriculum lattes of 208 nursing researchers and categorized them into higher and lower productivity groups, using the 66.7th percentile as a cutoff. Factors such as gender, education, and geographic location were analyzed to understand how these factors influenced the nurses' productivity and impact in the field of nursing. Female researchers demonstrated higher scientific productivity compared to their male counterparts, for example.

What role does technology production, like patents, play in the advancement of nursing research?

The study examined the patents held by nursing researchers, which is a form of technology production. Patent activity reflects the technological advancements and innovation in the field of nursing. Although not explicitly detailed in the study, the implication is that the number of patents held by nursing researchers is an indicator of their contributions to innovation. The research also explored the role of human resources training in shaping the career trajectories and driving innovation in the field.

Why is human resources training significant for nursing researchers?

Human resources training involves the supervision of students, which includes scientific initiations, master's, and doctoral students. The study shows that female researchers made a higher contribution in this area. This training aspect is significant because it ensures the development of future nurses and researchers. By investing in human resources training, experienced researchers are cultivating the next generation of experts and leaders in nursing research, which is critical for the evolution of healthcare practices.

What are the key insights for Brazilian nurses looking to advance their careers in research?

The study revealed several key takeaways for nurses. It confirmed the predominance of women in Brazilian nursing research and highlighted the importance of geographic location and education. Completing a doctorate in Brazil was associated with higher scientific production, as was attending certain universities. The concentration of research activity in the Southeast region of Brazil, especially in São Paulo, suggests a need to decentralize opportunities. Nurses should understand these dynamics and actively seek opportunities to advance their careers through research, further education, and strategic collaborations.