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 currently includes 38 faculty members, 36 research assistants, 57 undergraduate students, 131 graduate students and 27 post-doctoral fellows.