On March 27, 2024, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of São Paulo (USP) formally unveiled the “Worlds in Transition” International Research Center (IRC) on the USP campus. The ceremony took place during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Brazil. FAPESP, CNRS, and USP signed a memorandum of understanding to fund scientific projects conducted under the IRC.
According to Agência FAPESP, the IRC will focus on seven priority areas, including quantum technologies. FAPESP reserved BRL 30 million (approximately USD 6 million) for USP to invest in IRC activities. The quantum technologies pillar brings together approximately 15 researchers from each institution, with ongoing work in ultra-cold matter, quantum sensors, quantum materials, entangled states for quantum communications, and quantum computing algorithms.
CNRS CEO Antoine Petit noted that the IRC at USP is the fifth such center established by CNRS worldwide, alongside partnerships with the University of Arizona, the University of Chicago, Imperial College London, and the University of Tokyo.