Partnership expands opportunities for academic exchange, joint research, innovation and international cooperation

The Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) has signed an Academic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation Agreement with Universidad de la Costa (CUC) in Colombia. The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation between Brazil and Colombia and expand opportunities for collaboration between the two institutions.

The agreement was signed by FURG Rector Prof. Dr. Suzane da Rocha Vieira Gonçalves and Universidad de la Costa Rector Eduardo Crissien Borrero.

The cooperation covers all fields of knowledge and areas of mutual interest that may contribute to achieving the objectives established by the two institutions. Among the activities provided for in the agreement are the exchange of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty members, researchers and administrative staff, through specific agreements.

The agreement also provides for collaboration between faculty members and researchers in the development of teaching, research, outreach and technological innovation projects, as well as the joint promotion of and participation in seminars, lectures, symposia, academic meetings and other scientific, technological and cultural events.

Another important aspect of the partnership is the possibility of developing joint programs leading to dual degrees, in accordance with the regulations of the institutions involved. The agreement also provides for joint supervision and co-supervision of master's theses and doctoral dissertations, as well as participation in examination committees.

The partnership further includes the development of joint research projects, including the pursuit of international funding, as well as the organization of continuing education courses and programs, both in person and online. The institutions may also exchange bibliographic and other materials according to their mutual needs.

Whenever feasible and of mutual interest, the universities may also share laboratory resources and research infrastructure, in accordance with the regulations of each institution. Activities requiring specific implementation arrangements may be established through specific agreements or additional instruments.

The partnership between FURG and Universidad de la Costa is aligned with the University's institutional strategy to expand its international presence and strengthen cooperation with institutions abroad. FURG's Institutional Development Plan (PDI) 2024–2028 establishes as one of its objectives the expansion of the University's international presence and the strengthening of its internationalization efforts, with the Secretariat for International Relations (REINTER) serving as the coordinating unit for these actions.

The agreement will remain in force for five years, beginning on the date of the last signature, and may be renewed upon mutual agreement between the institutions. The agreement does not entail financial commitments between the parties; projects involving financial resources must be governed by specific instruments.

The cooperation between FURG and Universidad de la Costa represents another step toward strengthening the University's internationalization efforts and creating new opportunities for collaboration among students, faculty members, researchers and administrative staff from both institutions.