The Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), which in its first five years was named Brazilian Society of Sciences, was formally founded on May 3, 1916. ABC is a non-profit, non-governmental, and independent organization that operates as an honorific scientific society and as an advisor to the nation

In its early years, the Academy played a determinant role in the fostering of science in Brazil, with several of its members contributing significantly to the advancement of other scientific and cultural activities in the country, such as the introduction of radio broadcasting in Brazil (1923) and the creation of the Brazilian Society for Education (1924).

ABC provides scientific policy advice to the government, when requested, and develops technical studies on topics of critical importance for the Brazilian society. The Academy is committed to the scientific development of the country, and its members actively interact at the national and international levels to promote science and seek evidence-based solutions to the most challenging problems at the national, regional, and global levels.