The Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) has signed a new international academic cooperation agreement with Nantes Université, in France. The agreement, formalized by the legal representatives of both institutions — FURG’s rector, Suzane da Rocha Vieira Gonçalves, and the president of Nantes Université, Carine Bernault — marks the beginning of a partnership aimed at strengthening exchange in education, research, and innovation.

The agreement outlines a series of initiatives focused on the joint development of academic programs, including the exchange of PhD students, collaborative research projects, joint supervision of doctoral theses, exchange of experts, and the organization of scientific events such as conferences and seminars. It also includes the exchange of information, publications, and scientific documents between the institutions.

The areas initially covered by the agreement are Biology and Biotechnology, with participation from FURG’s Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB) and the Institute of Oceanography. On the part of Nantes Université, the partnership involves the Unit of Sciences in Biology and Biotechnology (US2B) from the Faculty of Science and Technology.

The exchange program will allow up to two students from each institution per year to undertake internships abroad for up to one academic year, or up to four students per semester. The students will be exempt from tuition fees at the host institutions, while retaining the rights and responsibilities applicable to local students.

Additionally, the agreement sets the foundation for the joint supervision of doctoral theses, enabling PhD candidates to carry out their research alternately between the two universities, thus enriching their academic training with international experience.