by Julia Queiroz – USP Journal / original in Portuguese.

With the goal of building a more substantial relationship, the universities emphasize investment in exchange programs and research in agriculture and quantum science.

Representatives from USP and the University of Illinois System (United States) met to discuss partnerships – Photo: Cecília Bastos/USP Images.

On the last August 24th, the rector Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior welcomed rectors and professors from the University of Illinois System in the United States, consisting of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the University of Illinois Springfield.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss potential partnerships, both in the development of joint research and in exchange programs for students and faculty from both institutions. The American delegation is in Brazil to visit institutions and research funding agencies with the goal of strengthening strategic collaboration between the two countries.

Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior, the rector of USP, stated that the University is looking to invest more in strengthening strategic partnerships through effective goals and programs in the fields of teaching and research. He mentioned, “Our current objective is to focus on improving partnerships because when we analyze what has been achieved over the years, we see that there have been few effective contributions and accomplishments.”

The President of the University of Illinois System, Timothy Killeen, highlighted the similarities between the states of Illinois and São Paulo, particularly in terms of cultural diversity and industrial potential, which facilitate exchanges between educational institutions. Killeen also expressed an interest in establishing an office in Brazil to better understand the local reality for research and studies. He said, “We have this type of structure in Asia, with offices directly located in the territory. This way, we can comprehend the entire ecosystem of each location.”

Among the main areas of interest for the development of joint research are agriculture, quantum science, and international cooperation organizations.