O CNPEM e a nova Fonte de Luz Síncrotron Brasileira, Sirius

National Laboratories have become important elements in the National Science, Technology and Innovation Systems of different countries, since the initial success of these installations with the Manhattan Project. Although the bulletin is strongly linked to national security issues, it has evolved over time into centers that develop, build, operate and maintain infrastructure and differentiated research equipment, size scale and resources incompatible with replication in various research laboratories , with huge scale gain. The evolution of the National Laboratories also brought a second component, which is a mission to execute strategic programs in areas such as health, environment, energy, new materials, among others. A problematic feature, given its complexities, is the need for multidisciplinary and coordinated approaches in the search for solutions.
 
Inspired by this model of National Laboratories, the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) stands out on the national scene for being an open, multi-competence and multidisciplinary reference center, annually benefiting scientists in the most diverse areas of knowledge. The CNPEM has its origins in the National Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), which used the technology and built between 1987 and 1997 a second-generation synchrotron light source, the first in the southern hemisphere. Over the years, other competencies were added to the Center, reaching its current configuration as a complex of four National Laboratories that brings together: the LNLS itself; the National Biosciences Laboratory (LNBio); the National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LNNano) and the National Biorenewables Laboratory ​​ (LNBR).
 
Since 2009, CNPEM has been working on the design and construction of the new Brazilian synchrotron - Sirius. Sirius will be a very high brightness synchrotron, one of the first 4th generation machines in the world, and one of the most advanced projects ever built in the country. This significant increase in brightness will allow the execution of experiments and the use of techniques previously unavailable in the country. With this, Sirius opens up enormous opportunities for the study of materials - inorganic and inorganic - with an unprecedented degree of detail, providing cutting-edge research tools that are competitive worldwide. This lecture will present an overview of CNPEM as well as the main characteristics, potential and status of the Sirius project.