Science is international; it flourishes on close international cooperation between universities and is sustained by intensive exchange among scientists. Under the leadership of the University of Duisburg-Essen, the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) is enhancing its strategic scholastic relations with Latin American universities through today’s signing of the cooperation contract. Agreements have currently been concluded with Brazilian universities, including internationally outstanding institutions in São Paulo (USP and UFABC), Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and Belo Horizonte (UFMG).
Professor Karen Shire, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at the University of Duisburg-Essen, discuss the brand-new contract: “The University Alliance Ruhr is broadening its tactical connections with Latin America at an ideal time. The MERCOSUR agreement is bringing Latin America and Europe more detailed together, which will also function as a chauffeur for cooperation with excellent organizations in research and innovation.”
In June 2025, the leadership of the three universities in the UA Ruhr opened a new intermediary workplace in São Paulo, Brazil. “The Liaison Workplace for Latin America and the Caribbean opens up a varied region with great potential for cooperation– from rainforest ecology and particle accelerators to medical research study. It is a perfect complement to the globally networked University Alliance Ruhr,” explains Professor Matthias Epple, Academic Director of the intermediary workplace.
Next steps
Teacher Barbara Albert, Rector of the University of Duisburg-Essen, states: “International scholastic cooperation provides the opportunity to discover solutions to the global obstacles of our time. Within UA Ruhr, we are particularly strong in ecological and water research study, medicine and physics, which lines up well with our global partners in Latin America. I look forward to an amazing and successful partnership for all involved.”
In 2026, UA Ruhr plans to additional broaden its network of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean. This also consists of reinforcing UA Ruhr’s exposure as a partner for science and innovation in the region, providing funding opportunities for events, academic mobility, research study projects, joint conferences and workshops, along with activities in transfer and outreach, and research study and study sees.
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