Guest chair „Brazil Chair“ is occupied by two top researchers
Long-term networks: Brazilian teams at the University of Münster
If you get a search engine to calculate the distance between Münster Castle and the universities in Minas Gerais and São Paulo, the result is a rounded distance of 10,000 kilometres. However, this long distance does not reflect the relationships that the University of Münster maintains with Brazilian institutions. In terms of scientific activities, it is actually one of the most active international universities in Brazil. The close networks are symbolised by two Brazilian researchers who are currently visiting the University of Münster: Prof. Dr. Elaine Maria Souza Fagundes and Prof. Dr. José Carlos Vaz hold the "Brazil Chair". The visiting chair is funded by the Brazilian "Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel" (CAPES).
Elaine Maria Souza Fagundes and José Carlos Vaz are among the leading scientists in their field. She is Professor of Physiology and Biophysics and researches pharmaceutical innovations at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. One of the focuses of her work is anticancer drug discovery. José Carlos Vaz is Professor of Public Policy Management at the University of São Paulo. He researches into the use of technology in public administration and investigates what capacities the state needs to implement technological solutions in order to promote democracy and reduce social inequalities. The guest chair is an honour for both academics. "I feel privileged to have this great responsibility of representing Brazilian science in Germany", emphasises Elaine Maria Souza Fagundes.
In order to promote such synergies, the Brazil Centre at the University of Münster supports academics and students during stays and collaborations. In 2011, the University of Münster concluded an institutional agreement with CAPES. Since then, the "Brazil Chair" has been a central element in expanding collaboration between researchers and improving the visibility of top Brazilian researchers. Specifically: an 18-month stay in Münster includes funding for one doctoral student and one postdoc. Prof. Dr Bernd Hellingrath, Scientific Director of the Brazil Centre, considers this to be an important development: "The fact that the researchers are now accompanied by young cientists makes a significant contribution to building up long-term networks. It raises the visibility of the University of Münster in Brazil and highlights the strength of Brazilian science and research in Germany."
José Carlos Vaz is a visiting professor, as a guest of Prof. Dr. Norbert Kersting, at the Institute of Political Science, where he has found his temporary professional home. He considers the collaboration both professionally and personally enriching. "Of course there are differences in organisational forms, resources and culture, but there are also many similarities." His home university is also a state institution with a focus on research. "We are also heavily involved in teaching and have 97,000 students. Highly qualified researchers work here and there. I see many opportunities to establish scientifically relevant collaborations."
Elaine Maria Souza Fagundes works mainly in the laboratory, and this is where she recognises the biggest differences. In Brazil, resources are scarce and research budgets are much smaller." I often wait months for an important reagent, and not all equipment is available. In Germany, things like this are quicker and easier." In Prof. Dr. Johannes Eble's working group at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, she is working on studies relating to the anticancer and antimetastatic effects of synthetic peptides - an important contribution to the discovery of a new prototype drug for the treatment of breast cancer.
She always stays calm and never loses track of things. Precisely because resources are scarcer in Brazil, she says, many researchers there have developed an important virtue: creativity. This expertise is in demand everywhere. Elaine Maria Souza Fagundes sees the benefits for both sides. "The developed methods here will be very important for future projects in Brazil, for example to deepen studies. With the help of the chair, we are spreading knowledge about our discoveries in Germany, and we are contributing to scientific and technological development in both countries through joint patent applications, conferences and publications."
The "Comparative Political Science - Local and Regional Policy" working group also developed a productive collaboration . "Our aim is to draw up analyses and comparisons between Latin American and European initiatives, for example, in order to understand how so-called 'smart cities' can use opportunities to promote online political participation," explains José Carlos Vaz. The group also wants to build a network of researchers and practitioners in order to utilise their contributions. "We want to address a broad, non-scientific audience with this practical topic," he explains.
Both scientists are also looking beyond the university environment. "I really like the city," emphasises José Carlos Vaz. "Being able to cycle to work every day is a privilege," adds Elaine Maria Souza Fagundes. "I perceive Münster as a beautiful, organised and clean city full of attractions. In short, our stay here is a unique experience that we enjoy as much as we can."
Author: Hanna Dieckmann
This article is from the university newspaper wissen|leben No. 3, 8 May 2024.