B-MRS Newsletter: Year 13, issue 1

 

 

 

cabeçalho

 

Year 13, issue 1. April 1st, 2026.

Papers by the community

 

1

 

New research from IFSC-USP shows advances in the development of ceramic nanoparticles that could have a major impact on nanomedicine. In the first study, conducted in collaboration with scientists from Germany, the authors modified calcium phosphate nanoparticles to make them more efficient in the direct application of chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells, reducing the harmful effects of the medication on healthy cells. Go to the paper. In the second study, the authors discovered a way to produce luminous hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, which could be used as “nanolanterns” to observe cells inside the body and thus diagnose diseases, monitor health problems, and perform treatments. The developed nanoparticles are composed mainly of abundant and low-cost elements (calcium, phosphorus, and carbon) and obtained through simple chemical reactions in water at room temperature, with high potential for industrial scaling. Go to the paper.

 

2

 

A study by researchers from UFRN and UFOP, in collaboration with scientists from Tsinghua University (China), demonstrates the high potential of a two-dimensional semiconductor in detecting DNA and other molecules. Combining advanced optical spectroscopy and theoretical modeling, the authors investigated the interaction, in an aqueous environment, of molybdenum disulfide with small molecules derived from DNA. Specifically, the scientists studied how these biomolecules are adsorbed onto the semiconductor at the interface with the liquid – a crucial point for the advancement of new biosensors. They showed that biomolecules can modify the electronic properties of the material through doping processes. The work points to ways to develop biosensors based on two-dimensional materials. Go to the paper.

 

3

 

A scientific team from CNPEM, Unesp, and MackGraphe conducted a detailed study on MOFs – the porous nanostructures whose development was the subject of last year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The authors produced thin films of MOFs, which can be easily integrated into electronic nanodevices. Using experimental and computational tools, they investigated how potentially toxic volatile organic compounds (methanol, ethanol, propanol, and hexane) diffuse in these films at the nanoscale. The study broadens the understanding of diffusion mechanisms in porous nanostructures and contributes to the development of more selective sensors and advanced environmental monitoring technologies. Go to the paper.

XXIV B-MRS Meeting
Curitiba (PR), September 27 to October 1st, 2026

 

5

 

Submissions. Abstract submission has been extended to April 13th. Read the guidelines for authors and access the submission system, here.

Symposia. Abstracts must be submitted within the 27 symposia that comprise the event. In addition to the 26 thematic symposia proposed by the community, the list includes the AA symposium, dedicated to posters on advanced materials topics not included in the other symposia. See the list of symposia.

Industry – academia workshop. This edition of the event includes a 3-day workshop that will bring together representatives from industry, academia, and government, from Brazil and abroad, to address the challenges of technological innovation in materials and nanotechnology, from proof of concept to industrial validation. Learn more.

Workshop on science communication and outreach. This one-day workshop will address the dialogue between scientists and other audiences through community contributed presentations and invited lectures. Event participants can present their studies and projects by submitting abstracts until April 13th. Learn more.

Venue. The event will be held at the convention center UP Experience, in the city of Curitiba, capital of the state of Paraná. Visit the website of the center.

Plenary lectures. The names of six scientists from Australia, Brazil, Spain, Sweden, and the United States who will deliver plenary lectures at the event have already been confirmed. See here.

Registration. Registration is now open. See the prices per category and the important discounts for active B-MRS members, here.

Chairs. The chairs of this edition are Prof. Gregório Couto Faria (IFSC-USP) and Prof. Paula Cristina Rodrigues (UTFPR).

Exhibitors. 28 companies and startups have already confirmed their participation in our booth exhibition. Organizations interested in booths and other forms of participation should contact us via comercial@sbpmat.org.br.

FAQ. If you have questions about the event, please consult the frequently asked questions or wite to 24encontro@sbpmat.org.br.

News from members

 

4

 

Professor Edgar Dutra Zanotto (UFSCar), an internationally renowned Brazilian researcher in the field of vitreous materials, visited China this March to establish collaborations with Wuhan University of Technology (WUT), one of the five most prolific institutions in the world in publications on inorganic glasses. During his visit, Professor Zanotto signed a five-year academic collaboration agreement. He also participated in the inauguration of a 200-square-meter laboratory named in his honor, the Edgar Zanotto Global Laboratory of Advanced Disordered Materials (EZ-GLAD). Zanotto is the author of over 400 scientific articles, 25 book chapters, 3 books, and 27 registered patents. He has supervised over 100 postgraduate and postdoctoral research projects, participated in 25 projects in partnership with industry, and provided consulting services to approximately 40 companies. He has received more than 60 awards and distinctions, including the Grand Cross of the National Order of Scientific Merit – the highest honor in Brazilian science. He is the founder of the Laboratory of Glass Materials (LaMaV–UFSCar), created in 1977, and co-founder of B-MRS. Zanotto has given more than 100 invited or plenary lectures at scientific conferences and, at this year’s B-MRS Meeting in Curitiba, he will be one of the plenary speakers.

Upcoming events

– 52nd International Conference on Metallurgical Coatings & Thin Films (ICMCTF2026). San Diego (USA). April 19 – 24, 2026. Site.

– Workshop on i-Caloric Effects (WiCE). Online. May 5 – 6, 2026. Site.

– The 4th Global Conference of Innovation Materials & MRS-K Spring Meeting (GCIM2026). Jeju (South Korea). May 31 – June 4, 2026. Site.

– 7th International Conference on Applied Surface Science. Chengdu (China). June 1 – 4, 2026. Site.

25th International Conference on Photochemical Conversion and Storage of Solar Energy (IPS-25). Seoul (South Korea). July 12 – 17, 2026. Site.

International Conference on Science and Technology of Synthetic Electronic Materials (ICSM). Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). July 19 – 24, 2026. Site.

20th International Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (PSE). Erfurt (Germany). August 31 – Setember 3, 2026. Site.

XXIV B-MRS Meeting. Curitiba (Brazil). September 27 – October 1, 2026. Site.

12th International Workshop on High Resolution Depth Profiling. Bento Gonçalves (Brazil). October 5 – 9, 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.

To publicize an event for our community, write to comunicacao@sbpmat.org.br.

Membership

The deadline for discounted B-MRS membership fees ends on April 15th. Members who have paid their dues for two or more consecutive years will have a discount this year. Payment of the annual membership grants significant discounts on the B-MRS Meeting registration fee, among other benefits. Learn more.

Follow us on social media

B-MRS Newsletter: Year 12, issue 12

 

 

cabeçalho

Year 12, issue 12. March 3rd, 2026.

Papers by the community

1

Using two-dimensional materials, researchers from CNPEM, UFSCar, and Unicamp, along with collaborators from Japan, have developed an innovative electronic memory. Ultra-compact and energy-efficient, the new device has potential for use in miniaturized electronics. To produce the “nanomemory,” the authors combined two interesting 2D materials: graphene was used as a conductor and hexagonal boron nitride as a dielectric. The device can function stably over a wide temperature range, including near absolute zero, which would allow its use in space, for example. Furthermore, it is possible to erase the contents of this memory and reuse it. The work was featured on the cover of ACS Applied Electronic Materials. Go to the paper.

2

A team of researchers from UFRGS and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA) conducted a detailed study on nanoparticles capable of enabling so-called “artificial photosynthesis.” In this reaction, carbon dioxide is directly transformed into compounds of industrial value, using sunlight as an energy source. The use of efficient photocatalysts is essential in the process, but developing them still presents challenges. In this work, the authors revealed what happens during artificial photosynthesis with nanoparticles composed of silver and copper, which have already shown their potential as photocatalysts in previous studies. By conducting meticulous experiments, the scientists discovered that a large rearrangement occurs in the nanoparticles throughout the reaction, positively impacting the performance of the nanoparticles. Go to the paper.

3

A scientific team from Brazil, along with a collaborator from France, challenged a widely held assumption among computational scientists studying energy transfer. The authors questioned the common practice of using an approximate value for the so-called “orientation factor” in computational modeling of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). This simplification can lead to inaccuracies in predicting material properties related to energy transport, with a potentially significant impact on some optoelectronic devices. To overcome this limitation, the article presents a novel, multiscale computational approach that allows for the direct calculation of the orientation factor. The article reporting this work was featured in a special collection of the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, which includes papers rated as “hot” by reviewers. Go to the paper.

Do you wish to publish an outstanding scientific article in the field of materials with significant participation from authors from Brazilian institutions? Write to comunicacao@sbpmat.org.br.

XXIV B-MRS Meeting
Curitiba (PR), September 27 to October 1st, 2026

5

Submissions. Abstract submission is open until March 30th. Read the guidelines for authors and access the submission system, here.

Symposia. Abstracts must be submitted within the 27 symposia that comprise the event. In addition to the 26 thematic symposia proposed by the community, the list includes the AA symposium, dedicated to posters on advanced materials topics not included in the other symposia. See the list of symposia.

Industry-Academia Workshop. This edition of the event includes a 3-day workshop that will bring together representatives from industry, academia, and government, from Brazil and abroad, to address the challenges of technological innovation in materials and nanotechnology, from proof of concept to industrial validation. Learn more.

Venue. The event will be held at the convention center UP Experience, in the city of Curitiba, capital of the state of Paraná. Visit the website of the center.

Plenary lectures. The names of six scientists from Australia, Brazil, Spain, Sweden, and the United States who will deliver plenary lectures at the event have already been confirmed. See here.

Registration. Registration is now open. See the prices per category and the important discounts for active B-MRS members, here.

Chairs. The chairs of this edition are Prof. Gregório Couto Faria (IFSC-USP) and Prof. Paula Cristina Rodrigues (UTFPR).

Exhibitors. 17 companies and startups have already confirmed their participation in our booth exhibition. Organizations interested in booths and other forms of participation should contact us via comercial@sbpmat.org.br.

FAQ. If you have questions about the event, please consult the frequently asked questions or write to 24encontro@sbpmat.org.br.

University Chapters

1

After a period of reorganization, the B-MRS University Chapters Program is back in operation under the coordination of Professor Ingrid Távora Weber (UnB), a society’s scientific director. University chapters are student groups officially recognized by B-MRS that carry out research, scientific dissemination, and innovation activities in the field of materials. Learn more about the program.

Opportunities

– Postdoctoral position in computational modeling of advanced materials at the Federal University of Lavras (MG, Brazil). Applications by March 6. Learn more.

– Postdoctoral fellowship at Unesp Araraquara (SP, Brazil) in nanoparticles with antimicrobial action. Applications until March 20th. Learn more.

-Applications are open for the Brazilian Women in Chemistry Award, from ACS and SBQ. Nominations and self-nominations can be made until March 16th. Learn more.

To publicize an opportunity for our community, write to comunicacao@sbpmat.org.br.

Upcoming events

– 52nd International Conference on Metallurgical Coatings & Thin Films (ICMCTF2026). San Diego (USA). April 19 to 24, 2026. Site.

– The 4th Global Conference of Innovation Materials & MRS-K Spring Meeting (GCIM2026). Jeju (South Korea). May 1 to June 4, 2026. Site.

– 7th International Conference on Applied Surface Science. Chengdu (China). June 1 to 4, 2026. Site.

25th International Conference on Photochemical Conversion and Storage of Solar Energy (IPS-25). Seul (South Korea). July 12 to 17, 2026. Site.

International Conference on Science and Technology of Synthetic Electronic Materials (ICSM). Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brazil). July 19 to 24, 2026. Site.

20th International Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (PSE). Erfurt (Germany). August 31 to September 3, 2026. Site.

XXIV B-MRS Meeting. Curitiba (PR, Brazil). September 27 to October 1st, 2026. Site.

12th International Workshop on High Resolution Depth Profiling. Bento Gonçalves (RS, Brazil). October 5 to 9, 2026. Site.

26º Congresso Brasileiro de Engenharia e Ciência dos Materiais (CBECIMAT 26). Florianópolis (SC, Brazil). Novembro 22 to 26, 2026. Site.

13th International Conference of the African Materials Research Society (AMRS 2026). Nairobi (Kenya). December 5 to 10, 2026. Site.

XXV B-MRS Meeting. Fortaleza (CE, Brazil). September 12 to 16, 2027.

To publicize an event for our community, write to comunicacao@sbpmat.org.br.

Membership

B-MRS membership dues for 2026 can now be paid, both for those wishing to become B-MRS members for the first time and for existing members wishing to renew their membership. Members who have paid annual fees for two or more consecutive years receive a discount this year. Payment of member fee grants significant discounts on the B-MRS Meeting registration fee, among other benefits. Learn more.

Follow us on social media

Postdoctoral position: computational modeling of advanced materials

Prof. Raphael Longuinhos Monteiro Lobato 

Profa. Jenaina Ribeiro Soares

Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Strategic Minerals (LMM)

The NanoMat research group at UFLA invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in computational modeling and multiscale simulation of functional materials. The group values technical rigor, methodological depth, and scientific independence.

This position is particularly suitable for candidates seeking to consolidate an independent scientific profile. The selected candidate will be supervised by Prof. Raphael L. M. Lobato, in collaboration with Prof. Jenaina R. Soares, within the framework of research activities in Advanced Materials and
Strategic Minerals.

The candidate is expected to take intellectual leadership in a defined subproject and contribute as first author to high-quality, peer-reviewed international publications. Research activities will focus on:

● Atomistic simulations of the physical and chemical properties of solids, surfaces and
molecules using density-functional theory-based methods
● Multidisciplinary research with applications in environmental and soil science, as well as
renewable energy materials.

The project involves scientifically challenging problems at the interface of electronic structure and
atomistic modeling.

Required Qualifications

● PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or related fields
● Demonstrated experience in:
○ Density Functional Theory (DFT)
○ High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments
○ Scientific programming (Python, Fortran, C/C++, or similar)
○ Atomistic simulations and multiscale modeling
● Strong written and spoken English

Expected Profile

We are looking for a researcher who:

● Is able to conduct independent research
● Has a strong record of first-author publications in international journals
● Is interested in taking intellectual leadership within a defined subproject
● Values technical rigor and methodological depth
● Seeks to consolidate an independent scientific profile

Fellowship Details

● Finep SET-C Fellowship – BRL 5,850.00/month (tax-exempt)
● Initial duration: 12 months
● Possible extension subject to performance and funding availability
● Location: Federal University of Lavras (Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
● On-site dedication required

Application Procedure

Interested candidates must complete the online application form:
https://forms.gle/MGrmaZ7H9EgKZmLq8
Application deadline: March 6
Interview: March 9-13
Results: March 16.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Raphael Longuinhos Monteiro Lobato (raphael.lobato@ufla.br)

FAPESP post-doctoral fellowship opportunity

The Laboratory of Materials Science Applied to Pharmacy (CMAF) of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara invites applications for a post-doctoral fellowship (FAPESP fellowship), under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Leila Aparecida Chiavacci Favorin.

The group has been working in a multidisciplinary and collaborative way with research groups in Brazil and abroad, offering possibilities in the area of development of nanoparticles with antimicrobial action.

Summary of the Project to be developed:

This project proposes to use the combination of inorganic nanosystems, polymeric nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles and also organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites to develop polymeric nanosystems or devices that contribute to combating multi-resistant strains of bacteria or fungi, in order to improve the stability and body distribution of the systems to be developed.

Candidate requirements: PhD in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or related fields.

In general, candidates are expected to have:
• Solid experience with polymeric and lipid nanoparticles.
• Experience with nanostructural characterization;
• Experience with microbiological assays;
• Experience with assays involving cell culture – 2D and 3D models
• Proactivity and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team;
• Relevant scientific production (papers, patents or technological innovation).
• Proof of scientific and technological writing skills (especially in indexed
international publications).
• Good command of spoken and written English.
• International experience is desirable.
• Support for the training of undergraduate and graduate students.
• Teamwork skills.

Specifics of the scholarship:

Synthesis and Characterization of Polymeric and Lipid Nanoparticles containing inorganic nanoparticles with antimicrobial action.

Scholarship Conditions

Scholarship implementation is contingent upon the approval of the selected candidate by FAPESP, in accordance with the Foundation’s current regulations for Postdoctoral Fellowships. If the decision is favorable, the candidate will receive:

FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship, currently valued at R$ 12,570.00 per month;

More general information about FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowships can be obtained at the following website: www.fapesp.br/bolsas/pd.

• Expected start date: April 2026
The following documents should be sent to the email: leila.chiavacci@unesp.br
a. Curriculum Vitae, following the FAPESP template;
b. Letter of motivation (2 pages);
The process will be carried out through the pre-selection of candidates based on the criteria specified above. Pre-selected candidates must participate in a remote interview in Portuguese or English (according to the candidate’s nationality), to be held on March 24, 2026, from 2 PM to 6 PM. The position is open to Brazilians and foreigners. The granting of the fellowship is conditional upon the approval of the selected candidate by FAPESP, in accordance with the Foundation’s current
regulations for Postdoctoral fellowships.

The approved candidate will receive a FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship and aResearch Reserve equivalent to 10% of the annual value of the fellowship to cover
unforeseen expenses directly related to the research activity

Contact: Prof. Dr. Leila Aparecida Chiavacci Favorin (leila.chiavacci@unesp.br)

B-MRS Newsletter: Year 12, issue 11

 

 

cabeçalho

Year 12, issue 11. February 3rd, 2026.

New Board of Directors

2

The Executive Board that will manage B-MRS during the 2026-2027 biennium took office on January 6th of this year during an Ordinary General Assembly held online. On that occasion, the results of the electoral process concluded in October of last year were ratified, which elected the new Board and four new members of the Deliberative Council. The new Board reflects the geographical, gender, and knowledge area diversity that the Society has strived to maintain, and includes several members from the previous administration. Learn more.

XXIV B-MRS Meeting
Curitiba (Paraná, Brazil), September 27 to October 1st, 2026

5

Submissions. Abstract submission is open until March 30th. Read the guidelines for authors and access the submission system, here.

Symposia. Abstracts must be submitted within the 27 symposia that comprise the event. In addition to the 26 thematic symposia proposed by the community, the list includes the AA symposium, dedicated to posters on advanced materials topics not included in the other symposia. See the list of symposia.

Venue. The event will be held at the convention center UP Experience, in the city of Curitiba, capital of the state of Paraná. Visit the website of the center.

Plenary lectures. The names of six scientists from Australia, Brazil, Spain, Sweden, and the United States who will deliver plenary lectures at the event have already been confirmed. See here.

Registration. Registration is now open. See the prices per category and the important discounts for active B-MRS members, here.

Chairs. The chairs of this edition are Prof. Gregório Couto Faria (IFSC-USP) and Prof. Paula Cristina Rodrigues (UTFPR).

Exhibitors. 17 companies and startups have already confirmed their participation in our booth exhibition. Organizations interested in booths and other forms of participation should contact us via comercial@sbpmat.org.br.

FAQ. If you have questions about the event, please consult the frequently asked questions or write to 24encontro@sbpmat.org.br.

Community

3

B-MRS members wrote a tribute to Prof. Heinz von Seggern. The distinguished German materials scientist, who was a Professor at TU Darmstadt, passed away on January 7th of this year. Prof. von Seggern interacted with researchers and groups in Brazil since the late 1970s, was a regular attendee of the B-MRS Meetings, and delivered a plenary lecture at the 2018 event. Read the text.

Opportunities

– Postdoc position in Experimental Molecular Physics at the University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil. Applications by February 15. Learn more.

To publicize an opportunity for our community, write to comunicacao@sbpmat.org.br.

Upcoming events

– 52nd International Conference on Metallurgical Coatings & Thin Films (ICMCTF2026). San Diego (USA). April 19 to 24, 2026. Site.

7th International Conference on Applied Surface Science. Chengdu (China). June 1 to 4, 2026. Site.

25th International Conference on Photochemical Conversion and Storage of Solar Energy (IPS-25). Seoul (South Korea). July 12 to 17, 2026. Site.

International Conference on Science and Technology of Synthetic Electronic Materials (ICSM). Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brazil). July 19 to 24, 2026. Site.

20th International Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (PSE). Erfurt (Germany), with the possibility of virtual participation for researchers from Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. August 31 to September 3, 2026. Site.

XXIV B-MRS Meeting. Curitiba (PR, Brazil). September 27 to October 1st, 2026. Site.

26º Congresso Brasileiro de Engenharia e Ciência dos Materiais (CBECIMAT 26). Florianópolis (SC, Brazil). November 22 to 26, 2026. Site.

13th International Conference of the African Materials Research Society (AMRS 2026). Nairobi (Kenya). December 5 to 10, 2026. Site.

XXV B-MRS Meeting. Fortaleza (CE, Brazil). September 12 to 16 de setembro, 2027.

To publicize an event for our community, write to comunicacao@sbpmat.org.br.

Membership

B-MRS membership dues for 2026 can now be paid, both for those wishing to become B-MRS members for the first time and for existing members wishing to renew their membership. Members who have paid annual fees for two or more consecutive years receive a discount this year. Payment of member fee grants significant discounts on the B-MRS Meeting registration fee, among other benefits. Learn more.

Follow us on social media

Postdoc position in Experimental Molecular Physics at the University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP (FAPESP) – CRISQuaM/CEPID

  • Opportunity: Postdoctoral fellowship linked to the CEPID “Center for Research and Innovation in Smart and Quantum Materials (CRISQuaM)” (FAPESP grant/process 2024/00998-6).
  • Project Topic: Utilizing advanced non-local decay spectroscopies, such as element-specific core-level spectroscopies, to investigate charge-transfer dynamics at the atto- and femtosecond timescales in quantum systems embedded in environments such as cryogenic microjets of noble gases or cryogenic matrices of noble gases.
  • Supervisor: Prof. Arnaldo Naves de Brito (UNICAMP).
  • Role split: The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead the experimental work and data analysis, working closely with a group member responsible for the simulation effort.

Fellowship package

  • Monthly stipend: R$ 12,570.00.
  • Research contingency funds: 15% of the annual fellowship value (for expenses strictly related to the project, per FAPESP rules).
  • Duration: up to 12 months -extendable- (expected start: March/2026, after selection and contract approval).

Candidate profile

  • PhD awarded less than 7 years before the start date.
  • PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience in experimental spectroscopy; synchrotron experience is desirable but not mandatory.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in a collaborative research environment; English proficiency is required.

Application

Email naves@unicamp.br with:

(i) CV including publication list (and/or Lattes CV);

(ii) two recommendation letters;

(iii) motivation letter explaining the match between your background and the project.

Deadline: 15 February 2026

More information

New B-MRS Board of Directors takes office in online assembly

Participants of the Ordinary General Meeting of January 6, 2026

The Executive Board that will manage the Brazilian Materials Research Society during the 2026-2027 biennium took office on January 6th of this year during an Ordinary General Assembly held online.

On that occasion, the results of the electoral process concluded in October of last year were ratified, which elected the new Board and four new members of the Deliberative Council (two full members and two deputies).

The new Board reflects the geographical, gender, and knowledge area diversity that B-MRS has strived to maintain, and includes several members from the previous administration.

Professor Ivan Helmuth Bechtold (UFSC) began his second consecutive term as B-MRS President, Iêda Maria Garcia dos Santos (UFPB) as Director of Administration, Finance and Assets, and Ingrid Távora Weber (UnB) and Lucas Fugikawa Santos (UNESP-Rio Claro) as Scientific Directors. Also sworn in as scientific directors were Ana Sofia Clímaco Monteiro D’Oliveira (UFPR), Felipe Bohn (UFRN), and Rossana Mara da Silva Moreira Thiré (UFRJ), who are serving on the B-MRS Board for the first time.

“I would like to welcome the new members who have joined the team and who will certainly bring new ideas,” said Professor Iêda during the assembly. “The idea is that there should always be new people, from different institutions, in the administration of B-MRS, because the Society belongs to all its members,” she concluded.

In turn, when he took the floor, Professor Ivan highlighted his satisfaction at seeing how much B-MRS has “heated up” after the pandemic. In this sense, the president mentioned the record number of participants in the last annual events and the new actions in the areas of science popularization, women in science, and entrepreneurship and innovation. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of the reorganization of the University Chapters program, that was carried out in 2025. “The students who form the chapters are the future of our Society,” said Ivan.

Learn more about the members of the Executive Board and the Deliberative Council.

In Memoriam – Professor Heinz von Seggern

This photograph was taken in 2014, during the historic B-MRS meeting in João Pessoa, at the Symposium on Organic Electronics during a round-table discussion, which brought together leading researchers in the field. From left to right: Prof Alberto Salleo, Prof. Franky So, Prof. Roberto Faria, Prof. Heinz von Seggern and Prof. Jenny Nelson.

[Text sent by B-MRS members]

We, Brazilian former students and researchers who had the privilege of pursuing graduate and postdoctoral studies or undertaking research internships at Technische Universität Darmstadt under the supervision of Professor Heinz von Seggern, deeply mourn his passing on January 7th – 2026, following his battle with brain cancer.

Professor von Seggern, retired from TU Darmstadt, was an outstanding scientist and a generous mentor. He was a valued and long-standing scientific collaborator of many researchers in Brazil and an active and enthusiastic participant in the Brazilian Materials Research Society (B-MRS) meetings, contributing not only with his expertise but also with his genuine passion for science. He attended several B-MRS meetings, including Natal (2007 and 2018), being one of the Plenary Speakers in 2018, Rio de Janeiro (2009 and 2015), Gramado (2011), Florianópolis (2012), Campos do Jordão (2013) and João Pessoa (2014).

Beyond a fruitful scientific relationship, Professor Heinz built with us — his former students and collaborators — a profound, warm, and fraternal friendship. His mentorship extended far beyond the laboratory and the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on our professional paths and personal lives.

Alongside the deep sense of loss, Professor Heinz von Seggern leaves a void marked by his exceptional competence, unwavering dedication, and, above all, the joy with which he embraced his scientific and academic activities. His enthusiasm, kindness, and humanity will be remembered as vividly as his scientific legacy.

He will be greatly missed.

Prof. Gregório Couto Faria (IFSC/USP), Prof. Ivan H Bechtold (UFSC), Prof. Roberto Mendonça Faria (IFSC/USP), Prof. Alberto Giacometti (IFSC/USP), Prof. Clarissa de Almeida Olivati (UNESP-Pres. Prudente), Prof. Juliana Eccher (UFSC), Prof. Françoise Toledo Reis (UFSC), Prof. Douglas José Coutinho (UTFPR-Toledo), Prof. Lucas Fugikawa-Santos (UNESP-Rio Claro).