2018 retrospective: Remember the featured research

What places Fundação Getulio Vargas as the greatest think tank in Latin America and among the top 10 in the world is its academic and scientific production, but also its ability to produce empirical studies that directly affect the everyday life of society. Some important research was published throughout the first four months of 2018.

A survey pointed out that most of the crimes in Rio de Janeiro take place across corridors only 12 km long. Based on data from the State Department of Corrections, FGV’s Public Policy Analysis Division (DAPP) found that the distances covered by offenders convicted of robbery, theft, extortion, or drug trafficking were located mainly in a corridor of up to 12 kilometers long, less than the length of the Rio-Niterói Bridge. These types of crimes account for 72% of offenses that have led to convictions in the state.

Another study, carried out with data from the Ministry of Labor (MTE) points out that highly-qualified foreigners have been proportionately the most affected by the crisis. An original study titled “State equity ownership and the use of R&D resources” found that state equity ownership is positively linked to R&D spending at companies. According to the research, an increase of 1% in state equity ownership is related to an increase of USD 1.555 million in R&D spending.

Brazilians were once again concerned about yellow fever in early 2018. Professor Eduardo Massad, from FGV’s School of Applied Mathematics (EMAp), presented a series of mathematical models that have helped understand the dynamics of the disease, besides optimizing vaccination strategies and assessing the risk of reintroduction of the urban form in areas infested by the transmitting mosquito.

Another issue that was on the national public debate agenda was the focus of research. The Confidence in Justice Index (ICJ) examined aspects related to the Maria da Penha Act and concluded that most of the 1,650 interviewees in eight states consider that the act is little or not at all effective to protect women from violence.

Tomorrow we will continue to address the topic and highlight research that made the news from May to August.