Brazil further strengthened its ties with CERN through the signature, on 4 December 2020, of a wide-ranging scientific and technological collaboration agreement between the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) and the Organization. This agreement is particularly timely as the process for Brazil to become an Associate Member State of CERN progresses.
Frédérick Bordry, Director for Accelerators at CERN, met CNPEM Director-General José Roque da Silva virtually to sign the agreement, which establishes a framework for collaboration in research and development in areas of mutual interest. These include particle accelerator technology, magnet design and the study of superconducting materials. “I am delighted to sign this collaboration agreement. For 30 years, Brazil has been a strong partner in CERN’s scientific activities. The signing of this new agreement will enhance our collaboration in scientific research, training, innovation and knowledge-sharing in the field of accelerator technology,” explained Frédérick Bordry, adding that “CNPEM and Brazil have many proven skills and talent in this area which will bring mutual benefits and motivate industrial partners.”
CNPEM is a multidisciplinary research centre overseen by the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations. Its expertise in the field of accelerator physics was recently bolstered by the design, building and commissioning of the SIRIUS synchrotron, a state-of-the-art fourth-generation light source that will assist the centre in probing the properties of various materials. Although the purpose of SIRIUS differs significantly from that of the CERN accelerator complex, the technology and engineering behind the facilities are of the same nature, which heralds fruitful exchanges between the two institutions.
This agreement could foster, in particular, joint projects in fields that are relevant for the Future Circular Collider (FCC) feasibility study, such as superconductivity, as well as the long-term involvement of Brazilian industry in CERN activities in the context of Brazil’s potential accession as an Associate Member State of CERN.