The Biochemistry Department of the Institute of Chemistry began its activities
in 1970, formed by full-time faculty in the biochemical area coming from
different schools within the University of São Paulo. This new structure proved
interesting for the development of the Department, since faculty members began
their departmental activities simultaneously and as equals. Decisions were made
collectively, and scientific independence of the emerging groups was highly
valued. An emphasis on strong scientific productivity and student training was
established. As a result, the Department became a Brazilian center of excellence
both in research and for graduate studies in Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology. It is has consitently received the highest score from Coordenadoria
de Aperfeiçoamento do Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), the agency
responsible for monitoring undergraduate and graduate studies in Brazil.
The Department includes faculty
members, research assistants, post-doctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate
students.