Access to science archives in Brazil: absence of regulations and guidelines

Purpose This study aims to examine whether Brazilian science and technology institutions, particularly the University of Brasília (UnB), implement standardized management for scientific archives. Design/methodology/approach This research employs an exploratory and descriptive methodology that integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It includes bibliographic analysis, a review of institutional websites from key members of the National System of Science, Technology and Innovation (SNCTI), and formal information requests submitted via Brazil’s Citizen Information Service (E-SIC). The study investigates the existence of policies, procedures or guidelines related to the production, organization, access and preservation of scientific documentation. Findings The investigation reveals an absence of formal policies and regulatory frameworks for managing scientific archives in Brazil. Institutions tied to the SNCTI have not prioritized archival practices, leading to inconsistencies in the custody and accessibility of research documents. The absence of coordinated guidance across agencies reflects a broader national gap in recognizing science archives as part of the country’s scientific and cultural memory. Research limitations/implications While the research indicates institutional gaps, it is limited by the reliance on publicly available documentation and formal responses, which may not fully capture internal practices or recent initiatives not yet made public. Practical implications The findings point to the need for stronger integration between archival management and scientific governance in Brazil. Enhanced inter-institutional coordination and comprehensive guidance would support the preservation of records generated through research, especially as the country advances in areas such as Open Science, Open Data and Citizen Science. Social implications Effective management of scientific archives fosters transparency, public trust and accessibility of scientific knowledge. Establishing policies to preserve research records can facilitate citizen engagement with science, support evidence-based policymaking and contribute to the development of an informed society aligned with Open Science, Citizen Science, Open Government and Open Data principles. Originality/value This study adds to the limited scholarship on archival governance within the Brazilian science and technology system. It offers an empirical perspective on the archival treatment of research documents and calls attention to the long-standing neglect of scientific memory preservation in federal research institutions.