Department History
The Chemistry Department at PUC-Rio was created in 1959 by its founder and director, for several years, Dr. Fr Leopoldo Hainberger, S.J. The then Institute of Chemistry at PUC-Rio functioned in poor facilities for several years, at the mercy of initial subsidies by the National Research Council and assistance from CAPES, which allowed the early research in the field of chemistr
y, resultign in an appreciable volume of publications in national and international journals. The lack of good chemists necessary for a national economic development demanded the creation of a higher institution, since the first chemistry college in Brazil was founded in 1933 and until then, chemistry as a science was studied, mostly, by doctors and pharmacists. Resources for the construction of a suitable building for this center of higher education in chemistry, however, were scarce, and this only became possible after the donations of large sums by various German institutions that expressed understanding for the problem and, generously contributed to its solution. Thus, with the donation of DM 150,000 by Adam Schall von Bell E. After this, a massive aid of 2750.000 DM was received by the DM Zentralstelle Fur Entwicklungshilfe and 162,000 DM from Misereor, as well as contributions from other Brazilian institutions: CAPES and several private companies, particularly Esso Brasileira Oil. In 1968 the basic equipment was donated by the Stiftung Volkswagenwerk, complemented with other equipment acquired through funds granted by the National Bank for Economic Development. The Farbenfabriken Bayer of Leverkusen also donated a large amount of reagents and, from the 2nd. half of 1969, the Institute of Chemistry, named Chemistry Department after the university reform, became operational. From 1969 to 1977 the Department operation was guaranteed by BNDE and since 1978 by FINEP; after FINEP, the MCT assumed, supporting the research programs already underway. Noteworthy is the support given by the German Government and Institutions, that sent high-level teachers to help the beginning of learning activities, both at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Undergraduate courses in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, and Bachelor and Licenciate Degrees in Chemistry were established. The Bachelor's Degree was recognized by CEF, through Decree 76.181/75, and the Bachelor degree was recognized by the same Decree, according to Ordinance 44/72. The Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering degrees were recognized by Decrees 76.158/75 and 31.443/72. The CNPq recognized the department as a Centre of Excellence in Masters (Case 13921/69) and PhD (Case 1294/72) courses. CAPES evaluated the Masters and PhD courses accredited by the CEF through ordinances 3503/75 and 351/81, respectively. They were reaccreditted by the CEF through the process 23001.000072/86-91, ordinance No 666/87 of 24.11.86.
