Health, science and technology are key elements for economic and social development. Scientific knowledge and its associated technology have led to remarkable innovations that have been of great benefit for humankind. “Knowledge commands health” means that, as capacity for action, knowledge is at the core of any health system. In a knowledge based society, knowledge is far more than to understand. It primarily calls for an innovatory environment where practical problem-solving has great value. The process to translate the health research outputs into action places capital importance on the diffusion and use of information and knowledge, as well as its re-creation.

Nowadays, much has been discussed in Brazil about a National Policy in Science, Technology, and Innovation in Health (PNCTI/S) as the structural basis for a health research agenda. In a systemic perspective, health research merges the health system itself, the education system, and the science and technology system. One of the main goals of health research is to produce the information and knowledge for identifying the challenges to the health system and to provide solutions. Another important goal is the development of new technologies and products. The determinant of success is ever more reliant upon the effectiveness in gathering and utilizing information and knowledge. Competent and knowledgeable health human resources are essential for achieving the full potential of heath research system.

So, the public health workforce must have appropriate education and training to perform its role. Today, a majority of governmental public health workers have little or no training in scientific and technological information. Enhancing the knowledge and skills of this human resources is necessary to ensure that essential public health services are competently delivered. The Centre of Scientific and Technological Information – Cict/FIOCRUZ with its historical research tradition in Health System information have took the responsibility to design and develop the first Specialization (lato sensu graduation course) in Health Scientific and Technological Information - ICTS. Launched in 2004, the ICTS has its main goal to highlight the prominence  of the  information processes in research health system.

Grounded in the Information Science, Technologies of Information and Communication (TIC) and Health Communication themes, interweaved within the Health and Science and Technology Policies, the ICTS puts a strong role in partnership and collaboration amongst key public and private health organizations, including BIREME, in order to enhance the relevance and potential of this education program.