“With the new liaison office in São Paulo, we are strengthening the academic bridge between the University Alliance Ruhr and Latin America – for joint research as well as the exchange of student and researchers,” explained the rectors of the three universities, Prof. Barbara Albert (University of Duisburg-Essen), Prof. Manfred Bayer (TU Dortmund University) and Prof. Martin Paul (Ruhr University Bochum). International networking is indispensable, also in order to analyze and tackle global challenges such as climate change or the protection of democratic structures in a scientifically well-founded manner.
The office is headed by Prof. Matthias Epple (University of Duisburg-Essen) as Scientific Director and Marcio Weichert as Managing Director. They emphasize: “The liaison office for Latin America and the Caribbean connects us with a diverse region with great potential for cooperation – from rainforest ecology to particle accelerators and medical research. It is the ideal complement to the University Alliance Ruhr’s international network.”
Cooperation Based on Many Years of Collaboration
Prof. Karen Shire, Vice-Rector for University Culture, Diversity and International Affairs at the University of Duisburg-Essen, who was instrumental in establishing the new location, also emphasised the social relevance of the office: “São Paulo was chosen as the location because of its scientific strengths and existing connections – backed by years of experience in international cooperation. Brazil offers not only excellent academic partnerships, but also a dynamic environment for building long-term networks throughout the region.”