Opinion | The Brazil That Works Begins Under the Microscope

Brazil has enormous potential to lead the bioeconomy of the 21st century, leveraging its rich biodiversity in a sustainable and innovative way. With initiatives such as the plant fraction library developed by CNPEM in partnership with Centroflora, and the use of advanced technologies like the Sirius synchrotron light source, the country is already beginning to transform natural molecules into potential treatments for serious diseases, while also creating opportunities in sectors such as cosmetics and food.

Despite this, the work still covers less than 1% of Brazil's biodiversity, which is threatened by deforestation. Renata Piazzon visited CNPEM and argues that, in order to transform this natural heritage into social inclusion, innovation, and prosperity, it is necessary to invest in science, data infrastructure, and public policies that value national knowledge — cultivating a collective pride in what is produced in Brazil.