Editorial

Abstract

Editorial I ssuE No. 70 of the Advanced studies journal focuses on one of the most remarkable achievements of modern science: biotechnology. From its wide range of application, the dossier highlighted three fundamental areas: a) The relationship between biotechnology and sustainable development; b) The multiple interactions of biotechnology with medical, veterinary and pharmacological practice;c) The uses of biotechnology in agriculture. Renowned scientists and researchers in the specific areas that comprise the dossier diligently responded to the journal's request for collaboration. The mentor of this issue was the eminent biologist Prof. Luiz Roberto Giorgetti Britto, deputy director of the Institute of Advanced study, whom we thank deeply for his efforts in co-editing the dossier that we now offer the scientific community and the readers and users of our electronic edition.We believe that the studies published herein are a useful source of reference for biotechnology researchers and lay persons alike, who expect from them a safe contribution to sustainable development and the treatment of public health.This issue brings, as usual, varied texts that reflect the multidisciplinary interests of the IAs. An economic assessment of the last federal administration, whose reading is extremely timely, is closely related to fundamental aspects of Brazilian society. For those interested in the debate on the situation of higher education in Brazil and abroad, we recommend the article on the ratings of universities according to different criteria. Essays on cultural history, cinema and theater complete the "Texts" section.As for the reviews, which refer to recent important publications, it is with justifiable pride that we highlight the presentation of the scientific works of Mario schenberg, a usP professor and physicist of international renown, whose unpublished works were scrupulously organized by his disciple and faithful IAs collaborator Prof. Amelia Império Hamburger.