Testimonials:

Ilum is an innovative initiative that offers young people a new, rich itinerary for science education. Teaching and learning take place within an active methodology environment with total immersion in the everyday research activities at CNPEM, a center that works at the cutting edge of science conducting research and developing instrumentation. And because it is an open, multi-user environment, it is a space that naturally connects the scientific community (domestic and international) and industry, in various knowledge areas. This arrangement creates a stimulating and challenging atmosphere that is fertile ground for shaping innovative scientists. The strong presence of computation as a transversal ability is one differential compared to the degree programs traditionally offered at universities. Training students amid research activity is an inspiring movement with enormous potential to serve as an example in order to implement transformative changes in traditional Brazilian higher education.

When I see the infrastructure offered at Ilum, not just the school’s own facilities but also access to the CNPEM facilities, I imagine how these students will benefit as they work on their projects, with not only the equipment and workshops available to them but also a team of teachers and specialists who are just as excited about these projects as they are.
Studying science is great, and being able to perform science, whether this means solving an equation, using an electron microscope, or setting up an experiment, is even more stimulating and enriching. Understanding the limits of technique, repeating extensively until you can understand your mistakes, discussing alternative routes with colleagues: all these things make every small achievement into something intoxicating and addictive that makes you seek out new challenges.
Ilum was established to challenge students, offering them a unique opportunity in the country to access top-flight infrastructure with a team focused on bringing out their best. And throughout all this effort is a concern with the humanistic shaping of each student. The challenge is not just to train future scientists, but to train scientists who understand the context and importance of science for the world, and especially for a country like Brazil.
I hope that new students will be able to enjoy and take advantage of this new experience at Ilum, which is being planned down to each detail so that they can face future interviews with the certainty that they have been well prepared.

Having the opportunity to study in an environment like Ilum, where the students and professors are side by side, is very unique in higher education in Brazil. I’m certain that this experience will shape professionals who are very different from the status quo, and that this indeed is the future. Doing this within an ecosystem like CNPEM brings these future professionals face to face with a wide variety of people and professionals who not only conduct high-impact research but are also on a mission to show we are capable of cutting-edge science in Brazil. All this high-impact experience will certainly be a great motivator for the innovation that is already part of this new generation. Furthermore, this young vision will provoke those of us who are already situated within research and sometimes get lost in day-to-day routine and consequently do not see the problems of science with such curious eyes.

Having initiatives to train young people who are better prepared and motivated to accept the challenges society presents us is one of our most important missions to advance in the right direction.  It is not enough to just educate, we need to educate well; it is not enough to just state information, we must train learners well, not just go to school, we need to live it. This mission is not easy, and many initiatives are being developed to drive progress. The Ilum School of Science at CNPEM has been innovative in hastening the training of our young people, establishing models that can be followed by many others.   We need to provide the right conditions for those who have the strength and determination to pursue their dreams.

I was lucky to learn about the plan for the Ilum School of Science and see its early steps. Besides the pedagogical innovations, which are so crucial to shape modern scientists with a multidisciplinary spirit, what caught my attention was its purpose: to directly contribute to the development of science and technology in Brazil.
As a person familiar with higher education, I salute the birth of another innovative project. As a citizen, I am grateful to the Ilum School of Science and CNPEM for allowing us to dream of a country with technological autonomy. Without this autonomy, we cannot resume development with economic vigor and social justice.

We were pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the high standards and technical level of all the facilities and equipment at Ilum, as well as the faculty (which is highly qualified and consists of scientists and researchers with doctorates and postdoctorates), the classes offered, and the benefits provided to the students who are admitted.

Educational initiatives like this one go far beyond what is currently offered in the state of São Paulo and in Brazil. They allow education and scientific research to reach new levels, permitting technological advances that will be essential to train new scientists and researchers, while also advancing society.

These educational possibilities, provided for free and with incentives for public school students, will broaden the search for students interested in research, innovation, and the creation of new technologies, and will expand the emergence of new talents from various levels of society.

When we spoke, we had combined the visit by Professor Adalberto Fazzio to our school with a seminar for the students, and our visit to Ilum in August or September of 2022.