Abstract/Résumé/Resumen
This paper aims to discuss the process of institutionalization of cultural heritage of science and technology (Sc&Tech) in Brazil. After a more general discussion, it is focused on scientific archives, a constituent part of that heritage. To access you must first have this heritage recognized and minimally protected. We conclude, from several considerations, that there is already a situation that formally recognizes the assets of Sc&Tech in the country, both from the point of view of the legislation and from the actions of some public institutions. On the other hand, this universe is very large and the institutions that preserve such assets are still rare in Brazil. Finally, the problem of access to scientific archives in the country becomes determined by this fact, a large set of documents is beyond the reach of society, since many of the sources are still in possession of private individuals (scientists, their families, etc.) or lost as they were discarded. However, the outlook is positive and, despite many setbacks presented here, we can see that spaces have been occupied and that new initiatives are underway that will contribute to the full recognition and preservation of scientific and technological heritage in the country.
