Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares

Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN) is a Brazilian nuclear research institute that conducts scientific and technological work in the field of nuclear energy and its applications, with a particular emphasis on the manufacture of radiopharmaceuticals for medical use. It supplies hospitals throughout Brazil with isotopes such as iodine‑131, lutetium‑177, thallium‑201, Guan‑IPEN‑131 (MIBG), technetium‑99m generators and gallium‑67 citrate, which are essential for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures. The institute’s activities combine basic research, technology development and the industrial-scale production of radioactive materials that support healthcare services.

IPEN operates under the auspices of the Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), reflecting its dual role as a research organization and a contributor to national nuclear policy. Its specialization in both fundamental nuclear science and the production of medical radioisotopes distinguishes it as a key link between scientific innovation and patient care in the country. This positioning enables IPEN to influence regulatory standards while delivering critical products that meet stringent quality and safety requirements for clinical use.

As indicated by its alias IPEN/CNEN, the institute is a public research entity subordinate to the federal government’s nuclear energy commission, meaning its governance, funding and strategic direction are aligned with CNEN’s oversight and objectives. This structural relationship places IPEN within Brazil’s broader nuclear infrastructure, linking its research outputs to national programs in energy, safety and technology transfer. The institute’s headquarters are located in Brazil, anchoring its operations within the country’s scientific and industrial landscape.

In March 2025 IPEN experienced a cyber incident that prompted the isolation of its network from external connections, including internet access, while its physical, radiological and nuclear safety systems remained unaffected. The disruption halted the production and supply of the aforementioned radiopharmaceuticals, affecting hospital diagnostics and therapy, and authorities have been monitoring the case without releasing details about the attack’s origin or perpetrators. The episode underscored the institute’s reliance on secure information systems for maintaining the continuity of its essential medical isotope supply chain.