Economic, Social, Environmental, and Technological Development: Internationalization with Regionalization: Internationalization with Regionalization
The Federal University of ABC (UFABC) was awarded a grant under the CAPES Global.Edu Program, a Brazilian government initiative aimed at promoting the internationalization of Brazilian higher education institutions through collaborative networks, as the coordinating institution of the network “Economic, Social, Environmental, and Technological Development: Internationalization with Regionalization.”
The initiative brings together universities from different regions of Brazil. The network comprises the Federal University of ABC (UFABC – Coordinator), the Federal University of Acre (UFAC), the State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB), the University of Pernambuco (UPE), the State University of Goiás (UEG), and the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás (PUC Goiás).
The network is strategic and multicentric, spanning four Brazilian regions and bringing together institutions of distinct yet complementary natures (federal, state, and community/non-profit universities). This structure enhances the reach of internationalization by fostering the regional expansion of knowledge and equity in access to global opportunities. Situated in key areas for Brazil’s productive chains and biomes, the member institutions hold proven research expertise in the proposed fields.
The CAPES Global Program aims to strengthen the internationalization of graduate education and scientific research, helping reduce regional disparities while expanding the global footprint of Brazilian science.
A Network Connected to Brazil’s Challenges
The institutions participating in the network are embedded in diverse social, economic, and environmental contexts, spanning strategic biomes such as the Amazon, Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest. This diversity enables the development of research geared toward regional needs while maintaining a global perspective, fostering innovative solutions for shared challenges.
The complementary nature of the network’s scientific competencies brings together expertise in areas such as:
- Biodiversity and biological systems;
- Biotechnology;
- Nanosciences and advanced materials;
- Chemistry, physics, and neuroscience;
- Agriculture and energy;
- Data science and artificial intelligence;
- Automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0;
- Territorial planning, humanities, and applied social sciences.
This integration fosters interdisciplinary research with the potential to generate scientific, technological, and social innovation.
Strategic Themes
The network’s activities are organized into three thematic axes, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the priorities of the CAPES-Global.edu program, and strategic Brazilian public policies, such as the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan and the New Industry Brazil (Nova Indústria Brasil).
THEME 1: Biological systems, biotechnologies, nanosciences, and the development of innovative advanced materials
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Jose Antonio Souza
This axis fosters research focused on developing biotechnologies, nanomaterials, and innovative advanced materials, leveraging Brazil’s biodiversity and the participating institutions’ scientific capabilities. The research spans applications in healthcare, energy, sustainability, and green technologies, contributing to enhanced national scientific and technological competitiveness.
THEME 2: Basic and applied science for the development of sustainable economic, political, social, educational, and technological models
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Flávia da Fonseca Feitosa
This theme integrates basic and applied science to develop more sustainable economic, social, political, educational, and technological models. The network aims to combine data science, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation to support public policies and tailored solutions for Brazil’s urban and rural contexts, strengthening sustainable development and digital transformation.
THEME 3: Biomes, transformation processes, energy policies, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Fernando Heering Bartoloni
The variety of biomes represented by the network’s institutions offers a unique environment for research in biodiversity conservation, energy transition, and climate change adaptation. The goal is to develop innovative solutions and policies that promote the sustainable use of natural resources, expand the use of clean energy sources, and strengthen environmental resilience.
To strengthen international cooperation between Brazilian and foreign institutions in order to train highly qualified human resources, expand high-impact scientific output, and develop innovative solutions to Brazil’s major economic, social, environmental, and technological challenges.
Beyond expanding the international presence of its member institutions, the network strives to democratize access to internationalization—advancing science that is connected to societal needs and dedicated to sustainable development and the reduction of regional disparities.
There are no active calls for applications at this time. Please follow this page for upcoming opportunities.
Check here the list of UFABC’s current international partners in the Capes PrInt program.
THEME 1: Biological systems, biotechnologies, nanosciences, and the development of innovative advanced materials
- Biosystems
- Biotechnoscience
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Environmental Science and Technology
- Science and Technology / Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Evolution and Diversity
- Innovation Engineering and Management
- Physics
- Nanosciences and Advanced Materials
- Neuroscience and Cognition
THEME 2: Basic and applied science for the development of sustainable economic, political, social, educational, and technological models
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science and Technology
- Science and Technology / Chemistry
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Economics
- World Political Economy
- Information Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Innovation Engineering and Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Teaching and History of Science and Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Nanosciences and Advanced Materials
- Neuroscience and Cognition
- Territorial Planning and Management
- Public Policy
- International Relations
THEME 3: Biomes, transformation processes, energy policies, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science and Technology
- Science and Technology / Chemistry
- Energy
- Information Engineering
- Teaching and History of Science and Mathematics
- Evolution and Diversity
- Physics
- Nanosciences and Advanced Materials
- Territorial Planning and Management
- Public Policy