The Orion project is set to be a unique and innovative laboratory complex designed for advanced pathogen research. The facility will focus on groundbreaking research for viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause severe and highly transmissible diseases. Through the development of vaccines and treatments, the project aims to strengthen the life sciences sector in Brazil and around the world.
KEY INFORMATION
Location: Campinas, Brazil
Date started: 2023
Completion date: ongoing
Client type: real estate
Main capabilities: cost and commercial management, procurement and supply chain, project management
Creating a pioneering research facility
As part of the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), the Orion project will be a significant milestone for science in Brazil, and worldwide. Once completed, it will be the first maximum containment biological laboratory in Latin America, allowing the safe handling of highly contagious and dangerous pathogens.
Additionally, Orion will be the only laboratory in the world connected to an electron accelerator, through three synchrotron beamlines, enabling detailed and advanced pathogen analyses.
This project will apply sophisticated architectural and engineering techniques in its construction to ensure that no microorganisms are released into the environment, protecting both researchers and the surrounding community.
Covering an area of about 30,000 sqm, the complex will feature level two, three and four biosafety laboratories, including cutting-edge imaging and microscopy laboratories, as well as equipment such as air and effluent decontamination systems. Additionally, the facility will provide a sample library, available for the entire scientific community.
Delivering biosafety protection
We have been appointed by CNPEM to provide project management for the Orion design phase. The work includes managing five different design phases involving multidisciplinary companies, as well as communication management between various stakeholders and the community.
The scope also involves cost estimation services for two different design phases, and procurement services for design, pre-construction and construction phases.
Enhancing Latin America’s health infrastructure
A milestone for both the global and Brazilian life-sciences community, the project also has strategic capacity-building benefits, enabling CNPEM to offer training in the operation of high and maximum containment facilities and develop skills currently limited in Latin America.
The project will significantly strengthen Latin America’s healthcare infrastructure and advance Brazil’s national sovereignty in dealing with health crises, with the potential to benefit areas including science and technology, defence and the environment.
Its pioneering approach will have a significant impact on public health, making it a crucial resource for the global scientific community.
