With research in the fields of international cooperation and medical mycology, FURG students brought the university’s academic production to the JJI.
On November 5, 6, and 7, students from across Latin America gathered for the 32nd Young Researchers’ Conference of AUGM. Under the theme “Education and science transform realities,” more than nine hundred young participants met at the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), in Argentina, host of this year’s edition, to present their academic work. Among participants from institutions in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, two students had the opportunity to represent FURG at the academic event.
Luana Araujo Lopes and Ana Letícia Rezende represent FURG at the 32nd Young Researchers’ Conference of AUGM
For the student Luana Araujo Lopes, the JJI was a chance to present and deepen her research at an international level. A student of International Relations, she has been on academic mobility since August at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCUYO), in Mendoza, through the AUGM ESCALA program. Luana explains that the overall experience of mobility was enriching and also encouraging for her participation in the conference. According to her, the exchange of knowledge with students from different universities and countries broadened her perspective on her research topic. “Being able to learn more about what I study, but from the unique perspective of this context, has been transformative. Immersion in another language was also essential and gave me the confidence I needed to participate in the JJI.” she says.
Her work, titled “Aplicación del Convenio de La Haya de 1980 en América Latina: cooperación internacional y derechos humanos en casos de sustracción internacional de niños,” was presented in the interdisciplinary axis “Human Rights: Present and Future Challenges in Latin America.” The research analyzes how Latin American countries apply the 1980 Hague Convention in cases of international child abduction, reflecting on challenges of international legal cooperation and ways to strengthen human rights protection in the region. Her presentation earned Luana an honorable mention from the AUGM evaluation committee. “I didn’t expect to be selected. Seeing my research recognized and highlighted made me very happy. It shows that it contributes meaningfully to important regional debates and also reflects the learning and research support I receive at the university.” she says.
Honorable Mention from AUGM awarded to FURG student Luana Araujo Lopes
The second FURG student participating this year was Ana Letícia Rezende, who presented research on the impact of the project “Experience in Medical Mycology: from scientific evidence to local reality,” developed by the FAMED-FURG Medical Mycology Group since 2021. The project brings students closer to the reality of fungal diseases. In her work, Ana analyzed factors such as number of participants, diversity of academic programs, approval rates, and student feedback to measure the project’s scope and effectiveness.
FURG student Ana Letícia Rezende at the 32nd AUGM Young Researchers’ Conference, hosted by the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT)
Ana Letícia notes that although she reads, listens to, and understands Spanish well, she was still apprehensive about speaking publicly in the language. For this reason, she chose to present in Portuguese. Despite the linguistic barrier, she communicated successfully during both her presentation and the Q&A session. “Everyone was extremely understanding and open to dialogue. There was interest, exchange, and curiosity.” she says.
In summary, both students describe the Conference as a meaningful milestone in their academic paths—or, in Ana's words, “an extremely enriching experience.” For Luana, the JJI stands out as a space for growth: “These events are excellent opportunities to present our research and also to grow personally and professionally. I hope more FURG students can participate in future editions, showcasing the quality of research produced at our university.”
The participation of Ana Letícia and Luana highlights FURG’s presence in international academic events. Through the university’s partnership with AUGM, opportunities such as the ESCALA mobility program and the Young Researchers’ Conference foster the international growth of FURG students, strengthening scientific production and the university’s role in international research environments.