May 15, 2025 – The Brazilian Foreign Ministry is offering its deepest condolences to the family and friends of José Israel Vargas, a renowned scientist, academic, and diplomat who passed away today in Belo Horizonte. Born in Paracatu, Minas Gerais, in 1928, Vargas was a trailblazer in Brazil’s nuclear policy and international cooperation.
Vargas had a distinguished career in scientific research and academia, earning a PhD in Nuclear Sciences from the University of Cambridge and serving as a professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). He played a key role in shaping Brazil’s nuclear energy program in the 1960s and was among the chief architects of the country’s nuclear policy during that era.
Vargas also had a profound impact on international diplomacy, serving as President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences from 1991 to 1993. He held several high-profile positions at UNESCO, including chairing the organization’s Executive Board from 1987 to 1989 and representing Brazil on multiple occasions before the executive board.
Furthermore, Vargas served as Minister of Science and Technology of Brazil from 1992 to 1999 and Permanent Delegate of Brazil to UNESCO from 2000 to 2003. His tireless efforts to promote international cooperation in science, technology, and culture have left a lasting legacy in the academic and diplomatic communities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is extending its sincerest condolences to José Israel Vargas’s family and friends, acknowledging his contributions to Brazil’s scientific and cultural development. As the world mourns the loss of this remarkable individual, we remember his tireless dedication to advancing knowledge and understanding between nations.
In the context of international relations, Vargas’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer and cooperation in addressing global challenges. Brazil will continue to build on the foundation laid by Vargas and other pioneers in its diplomatic efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and cultural exchange around the world.
As we pay tribute to José Israel Vargas’s remarkable life and legacy, we are reminded of the critical role that science, culture, and international cooperation play in shaping our global future. We offer our deepest sympathies to those who knew him and express our appreciation for his unwavering commitment to advancing human knowledge and understanding.