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Science popularization contest
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In the 2nd edition of the B-MRS Science Popularization Award, 19 videos qualified for the second stage and have been posted as Reels on the B-MRS Instagram page. The videos receiving the most likes will be evaluated by the award committee. The top three entries will receive cash prizes from the startup Arqueatec. The contest challenges B-MRS Meeting participants to create videos about their research for a non-specialist audience. Watch the videos and like your favorites.
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Papers by the community
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Based on materials such as electronic polymers, organic photovoltaic devices show promise for building-integrated urban applications due to their flexibility, lightweight nature, and semi-transparency. Furthermore, they can be manufactured using processes that are more sustainable and cost-effective than conventional ones. However, these devices are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, solar irradiance, and humidity, as well as exposure to oxygen—factors that can affect their electrical properties and lifespan. In a study conducted by scientists from Brazilian universities UFPR and UFRJ, over 50 square meters of commercially available organic photovoltaic panels were installed on the glass windows and aluminum roof of the UFPR Exact Sciences building. The system was connected to the campus electrical grid. Panel performance was monitored over 22 months through electrical measurements complemented by chemical analyses of the device surfaces. Additionally, theoretical models were applied to analyze the data. Research results revealed a decline in panel performance over time, linked to material degradation. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing these devices for building-integrated use in regions with subtropical climates. Go to the paper.
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Researchers from UNESP led a study advancing the development of catalysts capable of enabling carbon hydrogenation. This process allows for the production of methane by adding hydrogen to carbon dioxide. Consequently, it is possible to utilize carbon dioxide—which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere—to produce a compound widely used as both a fuel and a raw material. Furthermore, the use of green hydrogen renders the process even more sustainable. In this study, the authors examined in detail the behavior of catalysts composed of nickel—an abundant metallic element—and a ceria support, a type of ceramic material. In these catalysts, the interaction between the substrate and the nickel significantly impacts performance. Through spectroscopy experiments conducted at synchrotron light facilities in France and Brazil, the team was able to observe, in real-time, the changes the catalysts underwent during the conversion of carbon dioxide into methane. The study demonstrated how the catalyst preparation method influences both structure and performance. Go to the paper.
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One of the challenges to be overcome in expanding the use of hydrogen as a clean fuel is the ability to store it efficiently and safely. In an article featured on the cover of the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, researchers from UFRGS and their collaborators presented a nanostructure capable of acting as a hydrogen reservoir and elucidated its storage mechanism at the atomic level. The team produced a mixture of nanofoams and palladium-platinum nanoparticles—a metal combination known for its strong interaction with hydrogen—featuring a platinum-rich core and a palladium-rich shell. The nanostructure was studied in detail, utilizing facilities such as Sirius (the Brazilian synchrotron light source). Through this process, the scientists observed two seemingly contradictory phenomena. On one hand, the amount of stored hydrogen increased in proportion to the amount of palladium used in the shell. On the other hand, the hydrogen was adsorbed onto the platinum core rather than the palladium surface. The mystery was resolved when they discovered that palladium played a crucial role in the diffusion of hydrogen throughout the nanostructure. These results pave the way for the development of more efficient hydrogen storage systems. Go to the paper.
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XXIV B-MRS Meeting
Curitiba (state of Paraná), September 27th to October 1st, 2026
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Registration. Payment of the registration fee for the XXIV B-MRS Meeting can be made at the “early registration” rate until August 11. Please check the rates by category and the special discounts for active B-MRS members, here.
Program. Program at a glance is available, here.
Short courses. This edition of the event features 10 exclusive short courses for participants at no additional cost. The short courses will be held on September 27 (Sunday) at the convention center. Each registered participant may sign up for one (1) short course—subject to availability—by accessing the event system and clicking on the “Add/Edit Activities” tab. See the list of short courses.
Accommodation. We have provided a list with some hotel options in Curitiba, here.
Venue. The event will be held at the Cruzeiro do Sul Conecta Convention Center (formerly UP Experience), located on the Positivo University campus in Curitiba. Address: Rua Prof. Pedro Viriato Parigot de Souza, 5300.
Plenary lectures. See the names of the renowned scientists from Australia, Brazil, Spain, Sweden, and the United States who will deliver plenary lectures at the event, here.
Chairs. The chairs of this edition are Prof. Gregório Couto Faria (IFSC-USP) and Prof. Paula Cristina Rodrigues (UTFPR).
FAQ. If you have questions about the event, please consult the frequently asked questions or write to 24encontro@sbpmat.org.br.
ATTENTION: The XXIV B-MRS Meeting does NOT have an authorized travel agency. Protect yourself against scams and fraud. |
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Opportunities
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– Postdoctoral opportunities (12 fellowships of 36 months each) for the FutureChips program at Tampere University (Finland) for researchers from all countries holding a PhD in fields related to photonics, advanced materials, future electronics, and chip design. Application by August 31. Learn more.
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If you wish to publicize opportunities in the materials area, write to comunicacao@sbpmat.org.br.
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Upcoming events
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– International Trade Fair and Congress on Advanced Materials FEIPLAR & FEIPUR 2026. São Paulo (Brazil). August 5 – 27, 2026. Site.
– 20th International Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (PSE). Erfurt (Germany). August 31 – September 3, 2026. Site.
– UK Symposium on Materials for Sustainability 2026 (UK-SMS 2026). Keele (UK). September 14 – 15, 2026. Site.
– XXIV B-MRS Meeting. Curitiba (Brazil). September 27 – October 1st, 2026. Site.
– 12th International Workshop on High Resolution Depth Profiling. Bento Gonçalves (Brazil). October 5 – 9, 2026. Site.
– XIII Latin American Workshop on Magnetism, Magnetic Materials and their Applications (XIII LAW3M). Natal (Brazil). October 19 – 23, 2026. Site.
– 26º Congresso Brasileiro de Engenharia e Ciência dos Materiais (CBECIMAT 26). Florianópolis (Brazil). November 22 – 26, 2026. Site.
– 13th International Conference of the African Materials Research Society (AMRS 2026). Nairobi (Kenya). December 5 – 10, 2026. Site.
– XXV B-MRS Meeting. Fortaleza (Brazil). September 12 – 16, 2027. |
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If you wish to publicize materials science events, write to comunicacao@sbpmat.org.br.
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