On June 10, the University of Rijeka welcomed representatives from two Brazilian universities, the University of Campinas and the Federal University of Paraná, both members of the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB), a non-profit civil association of private rights founded in October 2008 with an unlimited duration and academic, scientific and cultural objectives. GCUB currently brings together 108 associated universities, including 7 associate members from Ecuador, Nicaragua, Tunisia, Angola, and Mexico. GCUB’s mission is to promote the internationalization of member universities through various programmes, projects, and general cooperation with international partners.
The Brazilian delegation comprised of:
– Prof. Rossana Valéria de Souza e Silva, Ph.D., Executive Director of GCUB,
– Prof. Fernando Antonio Santos Coelho, Ph.D., Vice-Rector of University Campinas,
– Prof. Camila Girardi Fachin, Ph.D., Vice-Rector of the Federal University of Paraná,
– Heloísa Garcia Claro Fernandes, Advisor for International Relations, University Campinas, and
– José Luis da Costa, Advisor for International Relations, University Campinas.
Their visit to Rijeka is an integral part of their stay in Croatia, along with visits to universities in Split and Zagreb. On behalf of the Interim Rector, Prof. Davor Vašiček, Ph.D., at the Innovation Laboratory on UNIRI Campus, the Brazilian guests were welcomed by Prof. Senka Maćešić, Ph.D., Interim Vice-Rector for Science, Arts and Digitalization, along with other representatives of UNIRI’s faculties and university centres:
- Prof. Marko Perić, Ph.D., Dean, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management,
- Prof. Ana Perić Hadžić, Ph.D., Dean, Faculty of Maritime Studies,
- Assoc. Prof. Saša Čegar, Ph.D., Vice-Dean for Internationalization and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Economics and Business,
- Prof. Goran Hauser, M.D., Ph.D, Dean, Faculty of Medicine,
- Prof. Miranda Mladinić Pejatović, Ph.D., Dean, Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development,
- Prof. Patrizia Poščić, Ph.D., Dean, Faculty of Informatics and Digital Technologies,
- Prof. Jonatan Lerga, Ph.D., Centre for AI and Cybersecurity, and
- Assoc. Prof. Robert Peter, Ph.D., Centre for Micro and Nanosciences and Technologies.
Representatives of the University of Campinas and the Federal University of Paraná briefly presented their academic communities, highlighting their specificities and possible areas for cooperation. The Federal University of Paraná, located in the south of the country, is the oldest in Brazil, and known for its 162 research laboratories, more than 230 study programmes at all levels of study, and the largest university hospital in the state of Paraná. In addition to very well-developed studies in maritime studies, biotechnology, tourism, and computer science, UFPR is also proud of its achievements in medicine. Back in 1964, the university became known as the first university in the south of Brazil whose scientists performed a successful bone marrow transplant.
The University of Campinas, located in the state of São Paulo, was founded in 1962 as an integrated research center. Its main campus covers 3.5 square kilometers (860 acres) and is located in the Barão Geraldo district, a suburban area 12 kilometers from the center of Campinas. The university also has satellite campuses in Limeira, Piracicaba, and Paulínia. Unicamp is responsible for around 15% of Brazilian research, a disproportionately high number when compared to much larger and older institutions in the country, such as the University of São Paulo. It also produces more patents than any other research organization in Brazil, being second only to the state-owned oil company, Petrobras.
The meeting also served as an opportunity to present the Group of Brazilian Universities Scholarship (GCUB), also known as the GCUB-MOB. It is a fully funded scholarship opportunity designed to promote international academic exchange. Every year, it offers over 1000 scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral degrees at 55 prestigious Brazilian universities. Supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other partners, the programme covers full tuition, provides a monthly allowance for living expenses, and offers additional support such as airfare and visa assistance for eligible applicants. The scholarship aims to strengthen global cooperation and foster academic development by welcoming students from countries with diplomatic ties to Brazil.
On the occasion of hosting the Brazilian delegation in Rijeka, the University of Rijeka signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GCUB, thus making a first step in establishing long-term cooperation with Brazilian HEIs at the university and faculty level.
