An initiative focused on discovering drug candidates for metabolic diseases from biodiversity resources, along with researcher Daniela Trivella, received distinctions in the 2025 edition of the award.
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), a social organization supervised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), was recognized in two categories of the Embrapii Unit Recognition Award, an initiative that celebrates projects and professionals that stand out in fostering industrial innovation in Brazil.
Credits: Embrapii
A researcher from the National Biosciences Laboratory (LNBio/CNPEM) received the Outstanding Researcher Award. In the same edition, the “Cardiovascular Phytopharmaceuticals” project, developed by CNPEM in partnership with the startup NIntX, won second place in the “Most Innovative Project” category.
The awards ceremony was held on December 9 during the Annual Conference of Embrapii Units, in Brasília, which brought together nearly 300 participants representing 90 Units that make up the Embrapii Network.
Outstanding Researcher
The professional trajectory of LNBio researcher Daniela Trivella was recognized by Embrapii. Trivella competed with six other finalists and won the Outstanding Researcher Award following internal voting conducted by Embrapii.
A biologist with a PhD in Biomolecular Physical Sciences, Trivella holds postdoctoral experience in Brazil, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and works on the discovery of new bioactive natural products and allosteric protein modulators with pharmaceutical potential. At CNPEM, she leads projects that integrate scientific innovation with practical applications in drug discovery, in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners. The award acknowledges her distinguished role in biomolecular research, with direct impact on ethical medical practice and on the development of innovative therapeutic solutions in Brazil.
In recent years, Trivella has received several awards and honors for her scientific achievements and leadership in strategic projects conducted within the CNPEM Biotechnology Embrapii Unit, strengthening partnerships with companies and contributing to high-impact technological solutions for society.
Most Innovative Project
The “Cardiovascular Phytopharmaceuticals” project, developed by CNPEM in partnership with the startup NIntX and funded by Embrapii, won second place in the “Most Innovative Project” category. The initiative is led by researchers Alisson Campos Cardoso and Daniela Trivella, both from the National Biosciences Laboratory (LNBio/CNPEM). During the event, Alisson presented the project to attendees and detailed the scientific approach employed.
Launched in July 2022, the project builds upon internal research findings from CNPEM, including the identification and validation of a specific protein associated with the development of these diseases. The molecules under investigation originate from CNPEM’s integrated drug discovery platform, where compounds obtained from Brazilian species are screened, characterized, and evaluated for their interaction with this protein, with the goal of developing new drugs and phytopharmaceuticals.
Project advancements include detailed structural studies conducted at the Manacá beamline at Sirius and at the National Biosciences Laboratory (LNBio/CNPEM). These studies provide high-resolution insights into how bioactive molecules interact with different regions of the target protein, guiding refinement of chemical series, improving understanding of mechanisms of action, and informing optimization strategies during development.
In this edition of the award, Embrapii expanded public participation by opening general voting for the Most Innovative Project, enabling professionals, partner institutions, and the broader community to contribute to recognizing the initiative.
Embrapii Unit CNPEM Biotechnology
The Embrapii Unit CNPEM Biotechnology brings together state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure and highly qualified teams working in industrial biotechnology and biotechnology applied to health. The unit has extensive experience in developing biotechnological platforms, bioprocesses, biomaterials, biofuels, drug discovery pipelines, and diagnostic tests. It is also part of the MCTI Virus Network and played a significant role in research efforts addressing COVID-19.
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. 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 supported by the Ministry of Education (MEC).
