Established by Decree No. 11.522 on October 26, 1940, the Instituto Adolfo Lutz represents the merger of the Bacteriological Institute of São Paulo and the Laboratory of Bromatological Analysis, two scientific establishments founded on July 18, 1892, which separately fulfilled the responsibilities of a Public Health Laboratory, now united to play a significant role in defending public health in São Paulo and the country.

The Institute Adolfo Lutz Journal (RIAL), an important scientific communication media in Public Health, was created by the visionary Dr. José Pedro Carvalho de Lima, then director of the Instituto Adolfo Lutz, with two printed editions launched in July and December 1941, aimed at disseminating the results of scientific investigations carried out by its technical staff:

 (...) Biologists and Chemists of the Adolfo Lutz Institute therefore have another duty to fulfill – to research.
To disseminate this research, we present today the INSTITUTO ADOLFO LUTZ JOURNAL, which, filling a significant gap, also meets one of the greatest aspirations of Lutz's disciples. It will finally be the testimony that the spirit of the great biologist still guides his school.

Names such as Luis de Sales Gomes, Bruno Rangel Pestana, João Montenegro, Nicolau Rossetti, Augusto Escragnole Taunay, Ettore Rugai, Carlos da Silva Lacaz, Marcelo Osvaldo Alvares Correa, Francia Martins, Renato Fonseca Ribeiro, Ariosto Büller Souto, Raul Briquet, Olga de Barros, Lucia Aché, Hassib Ashcar, among others, have contibuited importante articles in their áreas of expertise.

Access here the Editorial of the first issue.

Over time, RIAL has undergone various transformations, striving to adapt to the trends and demands of scientific publishing, incorporating new research areas and responding to public health needs, solidifying its position as a reference for researchers and health professionals, contributing to the formation of health policies and evidence-based practices in Brazil. Until 2012, it was published in print (ISSN 0073-9855).

The publications of RIAL represent a valuable resource for the scientific community and provide insights into health issues affecting the Brazilian population over decades.