Appointment was formalized in a decree from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) published in the official federal gazette.
Mario Murakami, director at National Laboratory of Biorenewables (LNBr/CNPEM) of the Brazilian Center for Energy and Materials Research (CNPEM), was appointed president of the National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio) for a term of two years with the possibility of renewal for another term starting from September 18.
CTNBio is the institution that formulates, updates, and implements the National Biosecurity Policy for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and also establishes the technical standards for safety and technical reports related to authorization of activities involving research and/or commercial use involving GMOs and their derivatives.
Murakami has been part of the CTNBio since 2021, having assumed the vice-presidency in September 2024 and, starting in early 2025, the coordination of the Animal Sector Subcommittee.
“After several years serving in other positions on the Commission, heading CTNBio represents a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the responsible development of biotechnology in the country and the advance of related domestic policies. At the same time, it is a recognition of the expertise that has been constructed at CNPEM, as well as the relevance of the scientific work we do in the areas of advanced biotechnology and bioenergy. During my term I hope to contribute so that new technologies are developed and used in a safe and responsible manner that safeguards human, animal and environmental health,” stated Murakami.
The Commission is comprised of a group of 54 PhDs including representatives from various government ministries involved in biosecurity (Science, Technology and Innovation; Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply; Social and Agrarian Development; Industry, Commerce and Services; Environment; Health; Labor; Defense; and Foreign Relations), as well as specialists in areas related to plant, environmental, human and animal health, and representatives from consumer interest groups and agencies established to protect consumer health.
Work at CNPEM
Mario Murakami has been part of CNPEM’s scientific community since 2018, leading a research group that focuses on biocatalysis and synthetic biology and serving as LNBR’s Scientific Director since that same year.
From 2016 to 2018 he led the Molecular Division of what at that time was known as CTBE (now LNBR), and during his career has headed strategic scientific facilities at CNPEM. His research focuses on depolymerization of agroindustrial waste and microbial bioconversion, with articles published in high-impact journals such as Nature Chemical Biology and Nature Communications that include disruptive advances in the area of CAZymes and the discovery of new enzymatic action mechanisms.
Murakami currently coordinates a FAPESP Thematic Project addressing the study of enzymatic mechanisms within the microbiome of aquatic herbivores, with a focus on depolymerization and metabolism of complex carbohydrates. He also leads large-scale research and development projects in partnership with biotechnology companies, as well as interdisciplinary institutional programs centered on solving strategic problems that face Brazil in the areas of bioenergy and biorenewables.
About CNPEM
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) is home to a state-of-the-art, multi-user and multidisciplinary scientific environment and works on different fronts within the Brazilian National System for Science, Technology and Innovation. A social organization overseen by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), CNPEM is driven by research that impacts the areas of health, energy, renewable materials, and sustainability. It is responsible for Sirius, the largest assembly of scientific equipment constructed in the country, and is currently constructing Project Orion, a laboratory complex for advanced pathogen research. Highly specialized science and engineering teams, sophisticated infrastructure open to the scientific community, strategic lines of investigation, innovative projects involving the productive sector, and training for researchers and students are the pillars of this institution that is unique in Brazil and able to serve as a bridge between knowledge and innovation. CNPEM’s research and development activities are carried out through its four National Laboratories: Synchrotron Light (LNLS), Biosciences (LNBio), Nanotechnology (LNNano), Biorenewables (LNBR), as well as its Technology Unit (DAT) and the Ilum School of Science — an undergraduate program in Science and Technology supported by the Ministry of Education (MEC).
