Commemorative Volume of the Centenary of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

Abstract

I have the pleasure to introduce the first volume that has been organized in commemoration of the centenary of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC).Founded in 1916, the ABC is a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization that has among its mission the development of science in the country (ABC 2017). As an honorific society, the ABC stimulates the excellence in science by accepting the best and most productive researchers working in Brazil, including not only native Brazilians, but also foreign members that live in the country. So far, there are over 540 Full Members.This organization also recognizes other foreign researchers that have strong ties with Brazilian colleagues and actively contribute to scientific activities in the country. Elected as Corresponding Members, their number reaches almost 190 researchers from very different parts of the world, showing the strong international collaborations of Brazilian scientists.It is also very important to point out that since 2007, promising young scientists have been admitted to the ABC for a period of five years when they have the opportunity to participate in several activities developed by the Academy. Designated Affiliate Members, there are presently almost 55 bright young researchers that fall into this category, showing the strength of the future of Brazilian science. As for now, over 900 researchers take part in the ABC -a number that is rising year after year, always based on a rigorous selection process.Among several activities of this organization, the ABC publishes the journal Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC). This periodical has started in 1917, initially under a different name, but has been published under the current designation without interruptions since 1929, thus being the oldest scientific periodical with continuous circulation issued in the country.As part of the commemoration of the first centenary of the academy, the AABC is publishing a series of commemorative volumes. This is the first one and has the support of the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Fundação Conrado Wessel (FCW -a foundation dedicated to the development of arts, science and culture). More special issues are in the process of organization and will be published during this year.

EDITORIAL NOTE: Collection of Paleontology Papers in honor of the Centenary of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

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The Brazilian Academy of Sciences is a non-profit organization (ABC 2019) that has completed one century of existence in 2016. A series of special publications was organized by the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) in celebration of this important date (e.g., Kellner 2017, Crespilho 2018, Cavaleiro 2018). Here we have the pleasure to introduce the final of these volumes gathering 20 original contributions in paleontology, the science dedicated to the study of all evidences of life that have been preserved in layers of deep time.

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