The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials

A sophisticated and ebullient environment for research and development that is the only one of its kind in Brazil and found in only a few scientific centers in the world, 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).

The Center operates four national laboratories and is home to Sirius, the most complex project in Brazilian science and one of the world’s most advanced synchrotron light sources. The CNPEM is home to highly specialized multi-thematic teams, globally competitive lab infrastructure that is open to the scientific community, strategic lines of research, innovative projects in partnerships with the productive sector, and training for researchers and students.

The Center is an environment driven by research into solutions that impact the areas of health, energy and renewable materials, agroenvironmental, and quantum technologies. In 2022, with support from the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC), the CNPEM expanded its activities with the opening of the Ilum School of Science. This interdisciplinary undergraduate program in science, technology, and innovation implements innovative ideas to provide a high-quality, free and full-time undergraduate program immersed in the research environment at the CNPEM.

Our mission

To incorporate unique competencies in national laboratories for scientific and technological development and to support innovation in energy, materials, and bioscience.

Our vision

To be recognized as a national research center with the competencies to generate state-of-the-art knowledge and develop creative solutions in the areas of energy, materials, and bioscience.

What people say about the CNPEM

Marcelo Knobel
Former director of LNNano and former dean of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

I can affirm the excellence of the research conducted at the laboratory complex and what they represent within the context of Brazilian and international science. The national laboratory model is essential for the future of science.
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Gianna Sagazio
Director of Innovation at the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI)

The CNPEM is an example of successful public policy, of cooperation between the public and private sector linking science, technology, and innovation with companies. I consider the CNPEM to be a disruptive innovation in Brazil`s ICT ecosystem, strengthening industry and boosting the country’s economy.
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Rita de Almeida
Professor, Department of Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

(Ilum) is a cutting-edge idea, built on a solid foundation that will result in a unique education for the scientists that graduate from the school: they will make a difference in the places where they eventually work.
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Salvatore Mele
Senior Advisor for International Relations, CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research

Brazil’s association with CERN will create opportunities for Brazilians in our laboratory and will make it possible for Brazilian companies to become our suppliers. The talent of the CNPEM community that I have seen first-hand is an extremely good sign for this exciting future!
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Paul Walton
Professor of Chemistry, University of York, United Kingdom

The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials is known worldwide for using state-of-the-art scientific methods. Its publications are influential in the highest-quality periodicals, and are changing the way that academia and industry think about the use and potential of biorenewables in an environmentally sustainable world.
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Glauco Arbix
Professor in the Department of Sociology, Innovation Observatory, University of São Paulo (USP)

We are talking about cutting-edge science, which is more necessary than ever in today’s world, where knowledge is key to constructing an educated, fair, and decent country.
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Pedro Wongtschowski
Board President, Ultrapar Participações

The laboratory infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment, and a qualified team are available to promote business innovation by developing new processes, products, and working methods.
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