Regarding the theft of research materials from the Virology and Applied Biotechnology Laboratory of the Institute of Biology (IB) at Unicamp, classified as biosafety level 3 (BSL-3), the University hereby clarifies that:
- NB-3 laboratories operate in accordance with strict safety protocols. The incident that occurred was an isolated case, resulting from atypical circumstances that are being investigated as part of the police investigation.
- Upon learning of the incident, the Unicamp Rectorate immediately contacted the Federal Police (PF) and the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which enabled the rapid location and seizure of the stolen materials.
- There are no genetically modified organisms among the materials in question.
The University also clarifies that:
- Unicamp is nationally recognized for encouraging the formation of technology-based companies dedicated to transforming the results of research conducted at the University into products and services that benefit society.
- The Unicamp Business Incubator (Incamp), under the responsibility of the Inova Unicamp Innovation Agency, operates with all the necessary legal security, acting in accordance with the University's innovation policy and the national legal framework for innovation. It holds the highest quality certification in Brazil, CERNE level 4, issued by the National Association of Entities Promoting Innovative Enterprises (Anprotec). Its activities are restricted to the training of innovative ventures, not encompassing the management, supervision, or execution of technical-scientific activities, which are conducted independently by its respective partners.
- The company associated with the husband of the professor suspected of removing materials from the aforementioned laboratory without proper authorization participates in the Incamp program, which only allows it to use shared office space.
- The motivation behind the theft of materials, as well as the possible involvement of different individuals and legal entities in the case, are under investigation by the competent federal agencies.
- An internal investigation has been launched at the University.
It is also important to highlight that Unicamp is recognized in important international rankings as the second best university in Latin America due to the quality of its scientific production, and the excellence and commitment of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the responsible and ethical training of qualified human resources.
We reiterate that the incident in question was an isolated case and, therefore, we return to the public to reaffirm our commitment to the mission of promoting knowledge for a democratic, just and inclusive society, with emphasis on excellence in teaching, research and outreach.
Campinas, March 29, 2026.
Dean of Unicamp
