The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) is one of the most respected scientific institutions in Brazil and around the world. With over 120 years of history, Fiocruz is a reference in public health, scientific research, and knowledge production. Throughout its trajectory, it has built an invaluable collection, made up of historical documents, rare books, photographs, maps, audiovisual records, and many other materials that narrate the evolution of science and healthcare in Brazil. Preserving this collection means preserving the memory of Brazilian science.
A large-scale operation and a major responsibility
Between August and October 2021, FINK had the honor of managing the transfer of more than 270,000 items from Fiocruz, belonging to the Department of Archives and Documentation (DAD) and the Library of the History of Science and Health (BHCS). The entire operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the integrity of each item transported, with an exemplary result: zero damage reported.
In total, 190,000 items from DAD and 80,000 from BHCS were relocated to the newly constructed Center for Documentation and History of Health (CDHS), a modern, sustainability-focused building. With five floors and 3,652 square meters, CDHS is the first public building in Brazil to receive the highest energy efficiency rating from the Procel Edifica seal. Its infrastructure includes six climate-controlled areas designed for different types of collections, including textual, iconographic, and audiovisual archives.
The operation involved around 20 professionals from FINK and over 60 from Fiocruz. All steps were guided by a detailed risk management plan that covered everything from weather-protected routes to strict health and safety protocols, essential in a context still shaped by the pandemic.
With over 100 years of experience, FINK is recognized for managing complex relocations and high-precision logistics projects, always with a focus on the integrity of the objects being transported. Whether it’s a work of art, a monumental sculpture, or a century-old archival collection, our mission is to ensure every piece arrives at its destination in perfect condition, with care, planning, and precision.
The operation carried out with Fiocruz reaffirms this commitment. For FINK, every move is more than transportation: it is a concrete contribution to the preservation of Brazil’s culture, science, and history.
