Visit of the Brazilian Embassy Delegation to Russia

On 23 September, a delegation from the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in the Russian Federation, headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos, visited the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research.

The goal of the visit was to learn about the JINR's scientific infrastructure and research programme. Prospects for cooperation between Latin America's largest country and JINR were discussed with JINR Directorate.

The Brazilian delegation was represented by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brazil to the Russian Federation Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos, Head of the Science, Technology and Innovation Sector at the Embassy Fabiano Burkhardt, as well as the staff members of the UFRGS Institute of Physics Sergio Garcia Magalhaes and Fabricio Luis Faita.

The visit to Dubna began with a tour of the Laboratory of Neutron Physics and the Laboratory of Nuclear Problems. At the Laboratory of Neutron Physics, the delegation visited the office of the Laboratory's founder and first director Ilya Frank. Researchers from the Molecular Genetics Sector of DLNP presented the basic areas of their scientific work. The latter include research on radioresistant fungi, Baikal flatworms with exceptional regeneration capabilities at depth, subterranean extremophilic microorganisms and the unique properties of the tardigrade protein Dsup. This investigation is of particular importance for the development of the current biotechnology, biomedicine and radiation safety.

A meeting was organized with JINR Directorate. Representing the Joint Institute, the meeting was attended by JINR Director Grigory Trubnikov, Chief Scientific Secretary Sergey Nedelko, Deputy Head of the Department of Scientific and Organizational Activities Norbert Kucherka and Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation Elena Badawy.

Grigory Trubnikov addressed the delegation with a welcoming address. "I am very pleased that our relations with Brazil have developed very fast over the past few years," he emphasized. "It is a great honor and privilege for us that in just two to three years of active cooperation, they have reached such a high level." JINR Director emphasized that the signing of the agreement with the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) in May 2025 was a landmark event for the entire Institute. Today, JINR is actively involved in developing a platform for effective collaboration with Brazilian scientists. Around a hundred specialists from both sides will soon begin implementing new scientific projects. Within the framework of the agreement, a Joint Coordination Committee and an Expert Working Group will be established, tasked with approving promising initiatives and overseeing their implementation. Grigory Trubnikov cited similar cooperation models currently being implemented with other partner countries, such as China and Mexico.

JINR Chief Scientific Secretary Sergey Nedelko emphasized that JINR's multidisciplinary approach, encompassing not only fundamental nuclear physics but also life sciences, materials science and information technologies, opens up extensive opportunities for collaboration in Brazil's priority areas that include projects in ecology and biomedicine using nuclear techniques, as well as the development of academic mobility. The delegation emphasized the Joint Institute's educational initiatives that have become one of JINR's key missions.

Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos confirmed the Brazilian scientific community's interest in deepening cooperation with the Joint Institute, describing the current model of cooperation with JINR as highly promising and mutually beneficial. He expressed the Embassy's support for the practical implementation of the agreements reached and emphasized the importance of a fast transition to particular projects with clear goals and the required funding.

The working visit concluded with a visit to the NICA Accelerator Complex at the Veksler and Baldin Laboratory of High Energy Physics.