Establishing international partnerships with Brazilian universities to develop academic and student mobility, as well as cooperation in joint research projects, were the main objectives set by representatives of Masaryk University during their October trip to South America. Led by Petr Suchý, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and External Relations, and Markéta Novotná, Vice-Dean for Internationalisation and Lifelong Learning at the Faculty of Economics and Administration, the delegation negotiated the establishment or strengthening of cooperation in five Brazilian cities.
“The entire two weeks were filled with inspiring meetings. We had the opportunity to meet many outstanding partners and explore promising directions for mutual cooperation. Many discussions addressed issues of global significance – for example, population health and ageing, public policy, Indigenous communities, and the social and economic impacts of global trends. These shared challenges remind us how powerful academic cooperation can be through joint research, teaching, and the exchange of ideas, methods, and perspectives,” commented Markéta Novotná.
Secondary schools, research centres and universities
In São Paulo, Petr Suchý and Markéta Novotná presented study programmes offered by Masaryk University at two English-language secondary schools whose graduates mostly continue their studies abroad. They also visited the renowned Hospital Sírio-Libanês, where they met with the Director of Research and Education to discuss possibilities for cooperation in medicine, health economics, and health system efficiency. In Salvador, in addition to meeting the Rector of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), they toured the research laboratories of the outstanding technological centre SENAI–CIMATEC, which collaborates with numerous prestigious international partners, including NASA.
In Belém, where the delegation visited the State University of Pará (UEPA) and the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), they were joined by Athena Alchazidu from MU’s Language Centre. A major focus was connecting researchers working on issues related to the Indigenous peoples of the Amazon. “In Belém, we also visited the private University of Amazônia (UNAMA), where, as part of the institution’s foundation celebrations, we presented Masaryk University, its rich history, and its current dynamic development. We also visited the Czech Honorary Consulate, located directly on campus. The programme concluded with a demonstration of the traditional dance carimbó,” explained Petr Suchý.
The key focus of the visit to Manaus was a two-day conference at the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA), dedicated to biodiversity and sustainability, where Martin Reichard of the Faculty of Science presented a contribution. INPA also arranged a visit for the MU delegation to a research reserve in the Amazon rainforest, where, during an unforgettable ten-kilometre expedition, current work by Brazilian and international experts was introduced.
In the capital city Brasília, known especially for the modernist architectural works of Oscar Niemeyer, Petr Suchý, Markéta Novotná, and Athena Alchazidu discussed cooperation at the University of Brasília, both at its Institute of International Relations and at the relatively new and dynamic private institution Instituto Brasileiro de Ensino, Desenvolvimento e Pesquisa (IDP). “With this institution, which could be a highly interesting partner for the Faculty of Economics and Administration, the Faculty of Social Studies, the Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Informatics, we managed to prepare and sign a memorandum of cooperation within five days of the visit. The leadership there has a strong interest in supporting foreign study stays for their students, so I believe their first representatives will appear at MU very soon,” said Suchý.
All members of the delegation agreed that the potential for cooperation with Brazilian partners is enormous. “Negotiations are ongoing regarding collaboration in teaching and research, and significant opportunities are opening up for all faculties. Several new memoranda are currently being drafted,” noted Suchý.
According to Markéta Novotná, the most concrete proposal so far is a plan for cooperation with the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). “There appears to be an opportunity to participate in the Pan-Amazon School of Public Policies project, focused on environmental economics and public policy development in areas such as climate change, development, and sustainability.”
The team also highlighted and appreciated the long-term support of the Czech Embassy in Brazil, especially Ambassador Pavla Havrlíková, who welcomed the MU delegation at her residence in Brasília, and Deputy Ambassador Pavel Šára, who played a key role in preparing the programme and accompanied the delegation throughout the second week in Manaus and Brasília. “Our cooperation with Czech diplomats in Brazil is quite intensive. Through them, we continuously strive – both in person and through online meetings – to present Masaryk University, its potential, and research infrastructure. A long-term cornerstone of these efforts is the MUNI BioPharma Hub,” added Suchý.
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