It is with great satisfaction that we announce that the Graduate Program in Physics at ITA (PG-FIS) has achieved a score of 5 in the CAPES 2021–2024 Quadriennial Evaluation.
ITA was a pioneer in the implementation of the modern graduate education model in Brazil, and Physics at ITA is part of this historic trajectory. The first Master's degree in the field was defended in 1963, and the first Ph.D. degree in 1971, at a time when graduate programs in Brazil were still in their formative and consolidation stages.
Over the past two decades, PG-FIS has consistently worked to improve its scientific productivity indicators and the quality of graduate training. These advances were recognized by the evaluation committee, which recommended the program’s elevation to score 5.
This recognition is the result of the dedicated work of its faculty members, who have maintained high standards of excellence in research and academic supervision. We particularly acknowledge Professor Manuel Malheiro, who passed away in 2024 and who, for many years, served as program coordinator, leading the strengthening of PG-FIS with enthusiasm and determination.
We also recognize the commitment of our graduate students, who have risen to the challenge and pursued increasingly high standards in their dissertations and doctoral theses. Part of this success is also due to the traditional “Encontro de Física do ITA – Prof. Manuel Malheiro,” which has helped increase the program’s visibility within the Brazilian physics community and contributed to the broader development of Physics in our country.
The pursuit of excellence remains our guiding principle, sustained by continuous work and critical self-assessment of our academic and scientific performance.