Instituto Principia

Founded in 1951, Instituto Principia is a foundation based in São Paulo, Brazil working on science & research, education.

The Instituto Principia is a non-profit foundation founded in 1951 in São Paulo, Brazil, originally as the Fundação Instituto de Física Teórica. It conducts basic science research, primarily in theoretical physics, and runs programmes that connect science with society. Its activities include international scientific workshops and conferences in partnership with ICTP/SAIFR, public science outreach such as film screenings, astronomy activities and a podcast, and the Escola de Talentos for talented young science students. The foundation's historical research leadership, including scientific directors such as Werner Heisenberg and Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker, is part of its legacy. Since 2017 it has operated as the Instituto Principia, and it works independently with its own property in the Bela Vista area of São Paulo.