A Brief History

Our origins date back to 1972, when Professor Krishnaswamy Rajagopal founded a laboratory dedicated to the study of thermodynamics. In 1982, this facility was officially named the Laboratory of Petroil Properties (LPP). It was only in 1996 that the laboratory adopted its current name, the Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics and Kinetics (LATCA), establishing itself as a reference center in thermodynamics and kinetics applied to chemical processes and the oil & gas industry.

That same year, the research group in Measurement and Modeling of Physicochemical Properties, led by Professor Rajagopal, was recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT) as a National Center of Excellence through the PRONEX/MCT program. This distinction propelled the expansion of our infrastructure, including the construction of modern laboratories focused on petroleum properties and computational simulation, located within the School of Chemistry.

The official inauguration of LATCA was marked by the presence of Nobel Prize–winning chemist Professor Roald Hoffmann, a milestone that symbolized our consolidation as a center for research, education, and technological innovation. Since then, the laboratory has played a key role in training highly qualified professionals and advancing technical-scientific projects in partnership with institutions such as FINEP, ANP, CNPq, FAPERJ, and leading companies such as Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.

Today, LATCA remains committed to excellence in science and technology, driving innovative solutions that combine technical rigor, sustainability, and real impact on industry and society.