Scientific research on Social Work: the role of CNPq

Abstract The aim of this paper is to outline an overview of research on Social Work funded by CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development), between 2011 and 2014. It is a quali-quantitative, documentary research study, compiled from spreadsheets sent by CNPq containing data on research projects submitted to and approved by this agency between 2011 and 2014. It was found that Social Work accounted for 355 (4.7%) of the 7,512 proposals submitted by applied social sciences and for 118 (4.9%) of the 2,421 proposals approved. Among the topics studied by Social Work, emphasis was placed on social policies, particularly in the field of health. The paper brings a discussion on the implications of the strategic induction of research and partnerships between the public and private sectors for the production of knowledge and professional training in the field.