The National Order of Scientific Merit (or Ordem Nacional do Mérito Científic in Portuguese) is a Bazilian honor bestowed upon personalities recognized for scientific and technical contributions. It was instituted on March 16, 1993, by Decree no. 772 and updated on February 6, 2002, by Decree no. 4.115.
The order can be awarded to Brazilian and foreign personalities that have helped the cause and development of science in Brazil.
The honor is given by the Grand Master of the Order on 13 June of each year. The date celebrates the birth of José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva, a Brazilian statesman, professor, and poet and one of the most important mentors of Brazil’s independence.
Classes of the National Order of Scientific Merit
The Order of Scientific Merit has just two grades:
Grand Gross (Grã-cruz or GCOMNC)
Commander (Comendador or COMNC)
The National Order of Scientific Merit Medal Design
The ribbon of the Brazilian Order of Scientific Merit is red with white edges.
