Brazil returns to IUPAC and reinforces scientific leadership, with direct impact on the cannabis chain in the country

Brazil has officially regained its status as a National Adhering Organization (NAO) in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), once again consolidating its presence in the main global discussions on chemistry. The approval took place at the entity's Executive Council meeting on October 1, 2025, and the Brazilian representation is now carried out by the Federal Council of Chemistry (CFQ).

The CFQ/CRQs System brings together over 218,000 professionals and about 50,000 registered companies, forming one of the largest regulatory chemistry structures in the world. With the return to IUPAC, Brazil resumes its participation in defining international standards for nomenclature, education, scientific policies, and industrial innovation.

The reconnection with IUPAC also reflects the historical role of the Brazilian scientific community, which has previously organized, for example, the entity's General Assembly and World Chemistry Congress in 2017 — the first edition held in South America.

IUPAC officially highlighted the importance of Brazil's return. In a statement published on the entity's website, the President of CFQ, Prof. Dr. José de Ribamar Oliveira Filho, stated:

"The Federal Council of Chemistry is proud to represent Brazil once again within IUPAC, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing chemical sciences worldwide. This renewal of membership strengthens Brazil's position in the global scientific community and opens up new possibilities for joint initiatives that will benefit professionals, researchers, and society as a whole."

In addition to the institutional impact, Brazil's return opens up new possibilities in emerging areas, such as chemistry applied to the cannabis production chain, a sector that is rapidly developing in the country.

Since 2023, CFQ counselor Ubiracir Lima has been participating in the Brazilian Medicinal Cannabis Congress, expanding the connection between chemistry and the medicinal cannabis market. According to him, "this year, with the creation of the Chemical Inputs Chain Support Committee (CAIQ/CFQ), coinciding with the near possibility of cannabis cultivation in Brazilian soil, we will be able to further support students and professionals in preparing to work in the cannabis chain, and, as an IUPAC member, we will have greater participation and reach in international discussions."

IUPAC also emphasized the Brazilian relevance to global science:

"Brazil's return to IUPAC reaffirms the country's longstanding contributions to chemistry in research, innovation, and industrial development. The renewal of membership is expected to benefit scientists, educators, and professionals throughout the country, facilitating deeper cooperation with international partners and supporting the advancement of chemistry in academia and industry," concludes Lima. 

The reintegration comes at a time of regional strengthening, following the recent accession of Peru and Guatemala, expanding the Latin American presence in the entity's strategic discussions. According to CFQ, Brazil is expected to contribute to initiatives involving green chemistry, scientific education, and sustainable innovation, aligned with the global agenda for responsible development.

In 2026, the country will further strengthen this leadership by hosting the Atlantic Basin Conference on Chemistry in Rio de Janeiro, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives under the theme "Chemistry for Global Impact: Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Innovation."