CNPEM

The CNPEM stands out in Brazil as an open, multi-user, and multidisciplinary center with activities directed toward different actors in the national science, technology, and innovation system.

The Center is overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) and combines highly specialized teams, sophisticated laboratory structures open to the scientific community, research and development projects in strategic areas, partnerships with the productive sector, and training activities for young researchers.

The CNPEM operates four national laboratories and is home to the most complex project in Brazilian science, Sirius. More recently, with support from the Ministry of Education (MEC), the CNPEM expanded its activities with the opening of the Ilum Superior School of Science, an innovative interdisciplinary undergraduate program in science, technology and innovation.

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Open facilities

Technically complex laboratories

Open facilities to meet the needs of the scientific and technological community, thus promoting national development

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outside researchers served
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Research & development

Strategic and
groundbreaking topics

Multidisciplinary research and innovation programs with potential economic and social impact

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associated publications
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Support for innovation

Corporate
partnerships

Transfer of technology and know-how, process scale-up, and searching for solutions to highly complex technological problems

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projects with corporate partners
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Training, educational, extension

Training
and dissemination

Human resources training on different cutting-edge topics and dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge

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researchers trained
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Brazilian Synchrotron Light National Laboratory

Revealing the
structure of matter
on the atomic
and molecular scale
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Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory

Research and innovation
to solve challenges
in the Brazilian
health system
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Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory

Efficient biological
systems to
develop
biorenewables
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Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory

Nanoscience,
technology, and innovation
for sustainable
development
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Ilum School of Science

Multidisciplinary and
disruptive undergraduate
course in science,
technology, and innovation

Open facilities

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Sirius

Various synchrotron techniques in six beamlines which are already open: Manacá, Carnaúba, Cateretê, Ipê, Imbuia, and Ema.

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Biosciences

Macromolecule crystallization, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy and calorimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance.

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Biorenewables

Pilot plant, metabolomics, DNA sequencing, bioprocesses, and physical and chemical characterization of biomolecules.

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Nanotechnology

Microscopy, spectroscopy and scattering, device manufacturing, materials synthesis, and nanotoxicology and safety.

Research & development

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Health

Techniques for therapies, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine for well-being and to expand life expectancy.

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Renewable energy

Technologies for biofuels and zero-carbon energy for sustainable economic development.

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Renewable materials

Industrial biotechnology to produce biorenewables, with solutions tailored for Brazilian industry.

Transversal competencies

Combine experimental techniques and competencies on transversal topics, with results that are continually applied to the development of research programs at CNPEM and help broaden the portfolio of services offered to the academic and business community. The Center’s efforts in these areas permit technological and scientific advances through ongoing training for its technicians, specialists, and researchers, and also create countless internal technological challenges. The resulting knowledge makes the CNPEM capable of cutting-edge research on a variety of themes.

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Particle accelerators

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Bioimaging

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Nano-scale characterization

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Science with synchrotron light

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Engineering and scientific instrumentation

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Micro- and nanofabrication

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Synthesis

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Data theory and science

News

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Events

ALL EVENTS >

Innovation

Interação com Empresas

Corporate Interactions

Partnerships in research, development, and innovation, technology transfer and providing services

Vitrine Tecnológica

Technology showcase

Technologies available via licensing for various strategic areas in Brazil

Explore the CNPEM

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Sirius

Learn more about Brazil's largest and most complex research infrastructure, a source of national pride!

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Visit the CNPEM

In response to pandemic restrictions, the CNPEM introduced virtual visits to its facilities. Come visit!

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CNPEM 360

This virtual tour of the CNPEM offers and immersive experience, panoramic images, and 150 hotspots with new videos, photos, and animations!

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Inside CNPEM

Highlights of the CNPEM's most recent research and findings. Check out the new version of the annual report!

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Projects for the future

Details about Sirius, future spaces for shared experience, and high-complexity labs that are the only ones of their kind in South America. Check it out!

Multimedia

The Value of Science

CNPEM Origins | Ep. 1

Webdoc Sirius | Ep. 1

Frequently asked questions

What is the CNPEM?

The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) is a private, non-profit organization overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI). Headquartered in Campinas (SP), the CNPEM operates four national laboratories (LNLS, LNBio, LNNano and LNBR) and is home to Sirius, the most complex project in Brazilian science and one of the world’s most advanced synchrotron light sources. From 2022, with support from the Ministry of Education, the CNPEM broadened its activities with the opening of the Ilum School of Science, a unique undergraduate program in science, technology and innovation.

What are the main activities at the CNPEM?

The CNPEM’s work involves countless activities organized into four main lines: Facilities Open to Outside Users; In-House Research and Development; Support for Innovation; and Training, Education, and Extension. These four areas are dynamic, interconnected, and feed into each other. The CNPEM’s work is founded on three important institutional pillars: a team of excellence composed over the years, modern scientific facilities brought together on a unique campus, and a management model and culture focused on results.

Who can conduct research at the CNPEM?

The open facilities at the CNPEM provide sophisticated scientific instrumentation for academic and industrial research. For academic research, the researcher must submit a research proposal via the SAU Online platform, which does not involve costs or registration fees. Learn more here. For companies that wish to conduct R&D&I activities that involve intellectual property or commercial use, there are several options: cooperation agreements, technology transfer and licensing, and provision of services and internal technological demands. These proposals should be sent to inovacao@cnpem.br.

Who funds Sirius?

Sirius is funded by the Brazilian federal government via the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI).

How does the radiation safety program work at Sirius?

At Sirius, electromagnetic radiation is generated by the particle accelerator, a machine that stops emitting radiation as soon as it is turned off. No radioactive material is used, so there is no risk of explosion or release of these materials into the environment. The radiation safety program at Sirius is meant to ensure the safety of the facilities by controlling access to certain areas and complying with the norms established by the Brazilian National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) for radiation exposure values, classification of areas, and radiation safety measures. The controls implemented at Sirius are generally more rigorous than those recommended by these norms. All accessible areas in the facilities have radiation levels that correspond to natural radiation, and consequently are considered radiation-free.