Inauguration of CCARBON/USP’s administrative center brings together authorities and leaders to strengthen low-carbon tropical agriculture
On June 6, 2025, the University of São Paulo (USP) celebrated the inauguration of the administrative center of the Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (CCARBON/USP), located on the “Luiz de Queiroz” campus (Esalq/USP) in Piracicaba.
The ceremony, marked by an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collaboration, brought together academic authorities, representatives from public and private institutions, researchers, and leaders in agribusiness and sustainability.
The event was conducted by a joint ceremonial team from the USP Rector’s Office, the Esalq Board, and the CCARBON/USP team. Speeches were delivered by Prof. Cerri, Director of CCARBON/USP; Prof. Thais Vieira, Director of Esalq; Prof. Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior, Rector of USP; and Orlando Melo de Castro, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, representing the São Paulo State Department of Agriculture and Supply.
Inauguration ceremonial speech. Photo: Gerhard Waller
“The center was inaugurated in 2023 and, since then, has advanced on several fronts of research, innovation, and outreach. Today, we celebrate the establishment of its administrative center—an important milestone that strengthens our structure and paves the way for many more actions to come.”
(Carlos Eduardo Cerri, Director of CCARBON/USP)
The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the inaugural plaque bearing the names of USP’s Rector, Professor Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior, Vice-Rector Professor Maria Arminda do Nascimento Arruda, and the Center’s Coordinator, Professor Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino Cerri.
Unveiling of the inaugural plaque. Photo: Gerhard Waller
On the occasion, an artistic work by Prof. Klaus Reichardt was presented and unveiled, created in honor of the center. The painting depicts the administrative building and incorporates the colors of CCARBON/USP’s visual identity.
Unveiling and presentation of Prof. Klaus Reichardt’s painting in honor of the center. Photo: Gerhard Waller
“Professor Klaus has gifted us with so many remarkable works over the years—so why not one dedicated to CCARBON? This painting represents not only art, but a heartfelt gesture from my friend Klaus to all of us who believe in the center.”
(Carlos Eduardo Cerri, Director of CCARBON/USP)
In addition to the previously mentioned authorities, the ceremony was attended by dozens of guests and dignitaries, including the Directors of Research, Innovation, and Outreach at the center—Maurício Roberto Cherubin, Pedro Henrique Santin Brancalion, and Tiago Osório Ferreira, respectively.
CCARBON/USP Directors, Esalq USP Director, and USP Rector. Photo: Gerhard Waller
The installation of the new administrative hub marks a milestone in strengthening the initiatives of CCARBON/USP, whose mission is to develop and coordinate innovative solutions to mitigate climate change through tropical agriculture, fostering synergies among academia, the productive sector, public policies, and civil society.
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The strong presence of academic, business, and government leaders reaffirms CCARBON’s strategic role as a national and international reference in advancing sustainable practices in the field and promoting a low-carbon economy.
