The National Order of Scientific Merit (Portuguese: Ordem Nacional do Mérito Científico) is an honor bestowed upon Brazilian and foreign personalities recognized for their scientific and technical contributions to the cause and development of science in Brazil. It was instituted on March 16, 1993, by Decree no. 772, and then later updated on February 6, 2002, by Decree no. 4.115. The honors are given by either the Grand Master or Order Chancellor on June 13 of each year, which commemorates the birth of José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva. Source: Wikipedia (en)