Questions before answers
Each group starts by defining the problem and what needs to be investigated.
About
A student organization for research and extension.
ImpactUFSCar was founded to give students a place to study complex problems, develop projects, and share what they have learned.
What we do
Applied research, learning in groups, and public outputs.
The organization brings together UFSCar Sorocaba students in four research groups. The work includes reading, data analysis, project development, participation in competitions, and communicating results.
We are not a course or a fixed program. Topics change according to the questions each group is asking and the projects that are relevant to the community.
How we work
Curiosity with responsibility.
Documented work
Decisions, sources, and outputs are recorded for the team.
Knowledge that is shared
Where possible, results become presentations, materials, or open discussions.
Research groups
What each group studies
Each group sets its own agenda. When a project calls for another area of expertise, the teams work together from planning to delivery.
01 · Data and decisions
Research and Markets
The group studies financial markets with quantitative methods. We use data, statistical models and simulation to understand how decisions are made under uncertainty and to test strategies rigorously.
Research lines
- Modeling and analysis of market data
- Prediction markets
- Quantitative strategies and backtesting
- Behavioral finance
What we deliver
- Reports and analytical notes
- Models and prototypes
- Participation in industry challenges
Rafael Ferreira Barbosa dos SantosGroup director
Contact the group ›02 · Method and inquiry
Academic
Using quantitative methods and qualitative analysis, the group studies phenomena in the applied social sciences and the behavior of large language models (LLMs). With an emphasis on analytical and structural approaches, it trains members in statistical tools, modeling methods and scientific research techniques, with methodological rigor and critical thinking.
Research lines
- Macroeconomics, economic conditions and financial cycles
- Social biases in AI models
- Behavior of language models
- Science communication essays
What we deliver
- Papers and analyses of economic conditions
- Essays published on this website
- Methodological support for the other groups
José OliveiraDirector, Academic
Contact the group ›03 · Impact and evidence
Metrics
The applied group of ImpactUFSCar. Members are free to research economics and technology through social and environmental impact assessments: they formulate hypotheses and scenarios about consequences for society and investigate the mechanisms behind them. They collect and clean data, choose the method, code the analysis and interpret the results in terms of real-world impact.
Research lines
- Social and environmental impact assessment
- Economics and technology
- Data, programming and quantitative methods
What we deliver
- Reproducible impact analyses
- Reports in accessible language
- Monitoring indicators for the organization
Theo AkioDirector, Metrics
Contact the group ›04 · Technology and society
AI Safety
The group researches the risks, governance and responsible use of artificial intelligence systems. It connects the international debate on AI safety to the context of the university and of Brazil.
Research lines
- Technology governance
- Emerging risks, including biorisks
- Scenario modeling
What we deliver
- Papers and reports
- Interviews and field studies
- Participation in hackathons
Amanda Lameu da CruzDirector, AI Safety
Contact the group ›How a project moves forward
From question to result
The internal portal keeps track of leads, stages and files. This public page shows what can be shared.
- 01Define
The group records the question and the expected result.
- 02Organize
Responsibilities and deliverables are assigned among the participants.
- 03Carry out
The team tracks deadlines, dependencies and files.
- 04Publish
The result becomes a report, paper, presentation or news story.
Our work