First outcomes of the partnership highlight new opportunities for Brazil’s high-tech industry and expand the country’s participation in international scientific projects
A partnership between the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) and CERN—the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, located on the French-Swiss border—is already delivering results that have the potential to strengthen Brazilian science, enhance the competitiveness of the country’s industrial sector, and train highly qualified professionals in strategic fields. The first outcomes of this collaboration were presented on July 30 in Campinas, São Paulo, highlighting the participation of Brazilian researchers in projects conducted at the world-renowned research infrastructure that houses the particle accelerator best known for the discovery of the Higgs boson, popularly referred to as the “God particle.”
The meeting brought together representatives from both institutions as well as government agencies.
Since Brazil became an Associate Member State of CERN in 2024, Brazilian companies have become eligible to compete for contracts to supply high-technology equipment and services to the European laboratory. At the same time, Brazilian researchers, engineers, students, and other professionals have gained expanded access to education, research, and technological development programs.
CNPEM, which designed, built, and operates Sirius, one of the world’s most advanced synchrotron light sources, has played a key role in connecting Brazil’s innovation ecosystem with CERN, fostering collaboration between frontier science, research institutions, and industry. CERN is home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, spanning 27 kilometers. Among its major scientific achievements is the experimental discovery of the Higgs boson, a particle predicted by theoretical physics in the 1960s that has helped scientists better understand how matter acquires mass.
International opportunities
The first results of the CNPEM–CERN partnership already demonstrate the potential of this collaborative effort. By July 2026, Brazilian companies had secured two international contracts with CERN and submitted six proposals that fully met the organization’s technical requirements, with none being rejected on technological grounds.
The contracts awarded include the modernization of electric motors, won by WEG, and the supply of the mechanical structure for the BOND magnet, awarded to FCA Brasil—both companies that have developed and supplied equipment for CNPEM. WEG manufactured magnets for the Sirius accelerator, while FCA originated alongside Brazil’s first synchrotron light source (UVX) and remains the country’s only company capable of producing components suitable for Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) applications. Brazilian machine-tool manufacturer ROMI was also among the top-ranked companies in an international tender to supply CNC machines.
The results of these international procurement processes demonstrate the strong competitiveness of Brazilian companies: all six proposals submitted so far were deemed technically compliant, and two were ultimately awarded contracts.
The main challenge identified is not technological capability, but increasing the engagement of Brazilian industry. Of the 134 requests for quotation sent by CERN to Brazilian companies since 2024, only 14 generated expressions of interest. These figures indicate significant room to expand the participation of Brazilian suppliers in one of the world’s most sophisticated science and technology supply chains.
To support this effort, the Brazilian Industry Supporting Science (BISS) platform was created to bring together Brazilian companies capable of supplying products and services to major international scientific infrastructures, facilitating connections between domestic industry and high-technology business opportunities.
Talent development
Beyond industrial collaboration, the partnership has significantly expanded professional development opportunities. Currently, 255 Brazilians are working at CERN as visiting researchers, students, interns, and staff members. The group includes researchers affiliated with Brazilian universities, undergraduate and graduate students, technical professionals, and specialists employed by CERN.
Interest in CERN’s training opportunities has also grown rapidly. In 2025, Brazilians submitted 1,780 applications to CERN’s various programs. This year, the number has already reached 1,625 applications to date.
Hiring trends reflect this growing interest. In 2025, 30 Brazilians joined CERN programs—three times the number admitted the previous year. Another positive indicator is the strong performance of Brazilian applicants. Across several selection programs, including doctoral, undergraduate, technical trainee, and Summer Student programs, Brazilian candidates have achieved acceptance rates above the average for CERN’s Associate Member States.
Although CERN is internationally recognized for particle physics research, it also offers opportunities for professionals in fields such as mechanical, electrical, electronic, and civil engineering, computer science, robotics, materials science, radiofrequency engineering, cryogenics, vacuum technology, communications, administration, human resources, law, and finance.
The partnership also paves the way for long-term technological projects capable of benefiting Brazilian industry. Ongoing initiatives include the production of superconducting cables, the development of prototype magnets for future particle accelerators, support for international experiments, and the development of strategic materials for large-scale scientific facilities.
Programs such as ORIGIN and the SENAI–CERN International Mobility Program are also helping train Brazilian technicians and engineers, aligning professional education with the demands of major international scientific infrastructures.
About CNPEM
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) is home to a state-of-the-art, multi-user and multidisciplinary scientific environment and works on different fronts within the Brazilian National System for Science, Technology and Innovation. A social organization overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), with the involvement of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, CNPEM is driven by research that impacts the areas of health, energy, renewable materials, and sustainability. It is responsible for Sirius, the largest assembly of scientific equipment constructed in the country, and is currently constructing Project Orion, a laboratory complex for advanced pathogen research. Highly specialized science and engineering teams, sophisticated infrastructure open to the scientific community, strategic lines of investigation, innovative projects involving the productive sector, and training for researchers and students are the pillars of this institution that is unique in Brazil and able to serve as a bridge between knowledge and innovation. CNPEM's research and development activities are carried out through its four National Laboratories: Synchrotron Light (LNLS), Biosciences (LNBio), Nanotechnology (LNNano), Biorenewables (LNBR), as well as its Technology Unit (DAT) and the Ilum School of Science — an undergraduate program in Science and Technology.
