Bibiana Campos Seijo

Laser development at TRUMPF. [Image: TRUMPF] High-tech manufacturer TRUMPF has launched a research effort to investigate whether quantum computers can accelerate the development of next-generation industrial lasers, a project that could reshape modeling workflows across the laser sector.

In early October, the European Commission (EC) announced a €1 billion initiative to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in key industries, highlighting the region's ambition to strengthen its technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness. The funding is aimed at boosting AI adoption across sectors viewed as critical to the European Union’s economic future, such as energy, manufacturing, health care, defense, communications and more.

At the end of October, Brazil held presidential elections. Left-leaning Luiz Inácio da Silva-better known as Lula- won with around 51% of the vote, unseating right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. Lula previously served two terms as president from 2003 to 2010. He rose to victory despite his reputation suffering significantly after a 19-month stint in prison for corruption. The charges were ultimately dismissed in 2021. What does this mean for science in Brazil?