Researchers have until October 31st to submit proposals through the SAU Online system; execution period will begin in February 2025
The National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) will accept proposals for the use of electron microscopy facilities between October 1st and 31st, 2024. Researchers from across the country can submit research proposals exclusively through the SAU Online system, selecting the appropriate facility for the execution of their proposal.
The proposals submitted in October will be evaluated by technical and scientific committees, and the execution period will begin in February 2025. The facilities that will receive proposals are:
Scanning Electron and Dual Beam Microscope (SEM-FIB)
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (CRYO-EM)
Scanning Electron and Dual Beam Microscope (SEM-FIB)
The Scanning Electron and Dual Beam Microscope (SEM-FIB) laboratory has infrastructure for sample preparation, high-resolution image acquisition, chemical analysis via EDS, crystallographic analysis via EBSD/TKD, and advanced in situ experiments involving heating and deformation. Additionally, dual beam microscopes allow for the preparation of thin samples for TEM, cross-sectional analyses, and Slice and View tomography.
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
In the Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory, it is possible to characterize the structure of materials at atomic resolution by employing imaging techniques, electron diffraction, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The laboratory is also equipped to perform in situ heating and liquid cell experiments using transmission electron microscopes with specialized instrumentation tailored to each application.
Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM)
The state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopes available at CNPEM, along with sample preparation laboratories, enable the characterization of cellular ultrastructure and biological macromolecules. The method of sample freezing and vitrification allows for high-resolution structural information of biomolecules.
Selection Process
The proposal evaluation process is conducted by External and Internal Committees, considering technical feasibility, scientific merit, and sample safety. More information about the process can be found on the Proposal Submission Process page. During the proposal submission, applicants must select the appropriate External Committee (C1 – Materials Science, C2 – Cells and Biological Structures, or C3 – Soft Matter).
Support for Users Outside the State of São Paulo
Researchers from institutions outside the State of São Paulo with approved proposals may request travel assistance to cover transportation, meals (lunch), and accommodation. See details on the CNPEM User Office page.
Important Dates
Submission Period: October 1st to 31st, 2024
Notification of Results: January 17th, 2025
Start of Proposal Execution: February 2025
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), 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. It is responsible for operating the Brazilian Synchrotron Light (LNLS), Biosciences (LNBio), Nanotechnology (LNNano), and Biorenewables (LNBR) National Laboratories, as well as the Ilum School of Science, which offers a bachelor’s degree program in science and technology with support from the Ministry of Education (MEC).
