Science, Technology, and Society in University Extension: Analysis of Extension Projects at UFSCar’s Lagoa do Sino Campus

Abstract

University extension plays an essential role in the interaction between the university and society, promoting regional development, empowering disadvantaged communities, and adapting to contemporary demands. This study investigates extension activities at a campus of the Federal University of São Carlos, located in an agricultural region with a low Human Development Index. The analysis focuses on extension projects carried out between 2014 and 2021, examining their thematic areas, characteristics, and integration with the Science, Technology, and Society (STS) approach. University extension, historically centered on the welfare model, is analyzed in light of the contributions of Paulo Freire and the STS perspective, aiming to outline perspectives for a more participatory, inclusive, and transformative educational practice. The results reveal that between 2014 and 2021, the Lagoa do Sino campus recorded a total of 336 extension projects, distributed across eight thematic areas. It is observed that areas such as Agricultural Sciences and Multidisciplinary lead in the number of projects, reflecting the context of the campus. A significant portion of projects that do not involve the local community suggests the need to strengthen the extension’s commitment to society. It is evident that some projects are closely aligned with STS principles and Freire’s vision of liberating education, although this is not the norm. This reflection points to the importance of a truly engaged and emancipatory extension vision, capable of addressing the region’s real challenges and promoting significant social changes.