More than just tradition: A fresh impetus for the partnership with the UFV under a clear blue sky

It seems to have become something of a tradition: whenever the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) visits the University of Münster, the city treats its guests to sunny days, which is quite unusual for the region. At the end of May, representatives from the partner university visited for the second time this year, following a visit by technical and administrative staff from the Vice-Rectorate for Research and Postgraduate Studies (PPG) at the end of February, as part of a staff mobility programme. After a three-year break, the Brazil Centre at the University of Münster was once again able to welcome Prof. Dr Raul Narciso Guedes, Vice-Rector for Research and Graduate Studies, and Prof. Dr Vladimir di Iorio, Director of International Relations.

During the visit, discussions were focused on strengthening and deepening the universities' ties of cooperation, as well as extending them to new research areas. This partnership is institutionally based on a cooperation agreement that has been in place since 2018. A significant milestone was reached in 2024 with the signing of a framework joint supervision agreement. This agreement was based on intensive discussions held in the previous year, as well as close collaboration with the Biology and Geoscience departments. Streamlining joint supervision procedures has strengthened the institutional ties considerably. One notable achievement of this ongoing collaboration was the inclusion of UFV in the Erasmus+ KA171 programme with partner countries, making it one of only two institutions in Brazil to be selected for this programme. The programme enables the long-term deepening of existing cooperation through the mobility of researchers, PhD students, and professors.

Strategies to increase mutual visibility between the universities were also discussed during the visit of Prof. Raul and Prof. Vladimir. The aim is to spark the interest of researchers from various fields in interdisciplinary collaboration. Particular focus was given to encouraging students to undertake a joint supervision programme at both institutions through targeted information events.

The partners also discussed various funding opportunities, including the aforementioned Erasmus+ programme and CAPES Global.edu, a new internationalisation programme run by the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES). Mobility prospects between Brazil and Münster within the framework of a partnership between UFV and the Minas Gerais State Research Support Foundation (FAPEMIG) were also explored.

Both universities have a long and successful history of cooperation in the fields of biology, biotechnology, and landscape ecology. However, this collaboration could be expanded into new areas, as there is still enormous potential for growth. The 'CAPES Global.Edu' programme could be a key driver of this expansion, promoting the internationalisation of research institutions across different regions of Brazil through an interconnected system. The UFV participates in the programme as coordinator of the INTEGRAT Interiorem Universum (PT-BR) network. Taking a holistic approach, the network focuses on the human, agricultural, natural and technological spheres. This ambitious alliance also unites the Federal Universities of Alagoas (UFAL), Mato Grosso (UFMT), Roraima (UFRR), Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), as well as the Federal University of Science and Innovation of Minas Gerais (UFSCIMG). The programme has the potential to achieve impressive geographical and scientific scope. Therefore, the ‘CAPES Global.edu’ programme focuses on multilateral synergies, promoting networking between Brazilian and foreign universities to take the internationalisation of Brazilian higher education institutions to a new, ambitious level. The funding organisation's approval of 33 such networks demonstrates that this approach can yield significant results.

In light of the UFV’s centenary, the two universities are strengthening their partnership once again. This second visit of the year is much more than a mere formality: it represents a significant strategic step forward. Thanks to new funding channels and the development of new academic disciplines, the collaboration can now grow sustainably. If the sunny skies over Münster are anything to go by, this tradition of positive encounters is assured in any case.

In light of the UFV’s centenary, the two universities are strengthening their partnership once again. This second visit of the year is much more than a mere formality: it represents a significant strategic step forward. Thanks to new funding channels and the expansion into other academic fields, the collaboration can now grow sustainably. If the sunny skies over Münster are anything to go by, this tradition of positive encounters is assured in any case.

Since its foundation in 1926, the university has developed into a national leader in agricultural research and teaching, subsequently expanding successfully its portfolio to include engineering, the humanities, and health sciences. Today, UFV is one of Brazil’s most innovative institutions, a reputation reflected in its Technology Innovation Centre, where technological advances and forward-looking projects are fostered.

UFV Staff Mobility to University of Münster Strengthens Relations at the Administrative Level