In 1986, two key factors contributed to the expansion of ideas: the improvement in faculty qualifications and the high technical-scientific level of the undergraduate thesis projects (TGs) over nearly a decade. This increase in faculty qualification resulted from a policy initiated in the late 1970s, aimed at elevating the academic standards to align with the Research and Development plans being discussed at the time. As a result, a group of highly skilled professionals was assembled, bringing together the best technical and scientific experts in the region.

During this period, an award was established to recognize the most outstanding projects, which were submitted for publication in various national and international journals.

In September 1986, within the Department of Electrical Engineering—home to over 80% of Univap’s most qualified professionals—the idea of research and development within a non-governmental entity in São José dos Campos began to take shape. This initiative also led to greater interaction with the local community through service provision while reinforcing the importance of human resource development through graduate and specialization programs.

It was within the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Valeparaibana Foundation for Education that the institution’s first research laboratory was established: LOpE—Laser and Optoelectronics Laboratory. Simultaneously, interactions with the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) were advancing, leading to the creation of another research group, Lab-Geo, which focused primarily on remote sensing and geoprocessing.

In August 1987, the Teaching and Research Council recommended the creation of the Human Resources Development and Research Promotion Program, which led to the establishment of NURHP – the Human Resources and Research Promotion Center, by the President of FVE.

The postgraduate and extension activities of the Integrated Colleges of São José dos Campos were incorporated into the new center, which began organizing both research and development activities and continuing education programs. In the R&D sector, NURHP facilitated the definitive establishment of the Laser and Optoelectronics Group, as well as the Geoprocessing Group, and launched the Fundamentals of Optical Engineering course at the Lato Sensu postgraduate level.

In 1992, Univap’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies consolidated the implementation of courses initiated by NURHP and expanded its efforts to establish master’s degree programs (Stricto Sensu).

In 1993, recognizing the consolidation of LOpE and Lab-Geo and the need to implement Stricto Sensu graduate programs, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies submitted a proposal to the Teaching, Research, and Extension Council (CEPE) for the creation of a master’s degree program. CEPE approved the request, and the program was offered on an experimental basis for one year.

In 1994, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies submitted the newly established Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering – Lasers and Optoelectronic Instrumentation to CAPES’ Technical Advisory Group (GTC). After reviewing the proposal, GTC provided several recommendations, one of which noted that the field of Optoelectronics was already being developed by institutions based in the same city as Univap. They suggested a shift in the research focus.

Considering these recommendations and evaluating Univap’s installed capacity in terms of human and material resources, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies proposed a change in LOpE’s research focus from Lasers and Optoelectronics to Biomedical Engineering and Lasers. This research area had no equivalent groups in the region and was still scarce at the national level.

In March 1995, Univap established CEPEDEX—the University’s Research and Extension Center—with the goal of fostering research and development activities within the institution. International collaborations were strengthened, with renowned researchers from around the world visiting the new center and expressing enthusiasm for the work being carried out.

In June 1996, the University Council created a new institute within Univap—its fifth institute—the Research and Development Institute (IP&D). This new institute replaced the Research, Development, and Extension Center. Then, in 1998, Univap’s new bylaws restructured all university institutes into faculties, with IP&D remaining the only institution within Univap dedicated exclusively to research and development activities.

IP&D consolidated research at Univap into three major areas, and today, it comprises 22 research groups, formed by full-time PhD researchers.