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Green-blue-brown cloud, in which the outlines of skyscrapers, a turbine, laboratory equipment and a network diagram of a human head with a torso can be seen © UA Ruhr
International Cooperation

UA Ruhr Opens Liaison Office in Latin America

Five people in front of an office door © UA Ruhr ​/​ Felipe Mairowski
Participants of the UA Ruhr delegation: Prof. Dr. Matthias Epple (Scientific Director of the Liaison Office), Ulf Richter (Chancellor of the UDE), Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert (Rector of the UDE), Gerhard Schembecker (Vice-President for Finance of TU Dortmund University) and Marcio Weichert (Managing Director of the Liaison Office).
The University Alliance Ruhr opened a new liaison office in São Paulo on June 9, 2025. It aims to strengthen and strategically develop academic exchange between the three partner universities and partner institutions in Latin America. The new office, located in the German House of Science and Innovation in São Paulo, is coordinated by the University of Duisburg-Essen and represents the interests of the University Alliance throughout Latin America. It complements the existing international offices of the UA Ruhr with responsibilities for North America and Eastern Europe/Central Asia.

International Networking is Indispensable
"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 and the exchange of students and researchers," explained the rectors of the three universities: Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert (University of Duisburg-Essen), Prof. Dr. Manfred Bayer (TU Dortmund University) and Prof. Dr. Martin Paul (Ruhr University Bochum). International networking is indispensable, also in order to scientifically analyze and overcome global challenges such as climate change or the protection of democratic structures.

The office is headed by Prof. Dr. 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 opens up a diverse region with great potential for cooperation - from rainforest ecology to particle accelerators and medical research. It ideally complements the internationally networked University Alliance Ruhr."


Years of Experience in International Cooperation
Prof. Dr. Karen Shire, Vice-President for University Culture, Diversity and International Affairs at the University of Duisburg-Essen and instrumental in setting up the new location, also emphasizes the social importance of the office: "São Paulo was chosen as the location due to its scientific strengths and existing connections - based on years of experience in international cooperation. Brazil not only offers excellent scientific partnerships, but also a dynamic environment in which to build long-term networks throughout the region."

The opening ceremony was attended by numerous invited guests from Germany and Latin America, including Katharina Fourier (Head of the Regional Office of the German Academic Exchange Service in Rio de Janeiro and Director of the German House for Research and Innovation in São Paulo), Dr. Christina Peters (Head of the Latin America Office of the German Research Foundation) and Prof. Dr. Sandra Goulart Almeida (Rector of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais). A total of twelve representatives from Brazilian universities took part, as well as representatives from the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo and the Sociedade Brasileira para o Progresso da Ciência. The event included contributions on the topic of academic freedom. The keynote speech entitled "Opportunities and Challenges to Academic Freedom and Democracy" was given by Prof. Dr. Sandra Almeida, Rector of the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

The university management of the University Alliance Ruhr and the Federal University of Minas Gerais also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish their strategic partnership.

Prof. Albert on the podium
Barbara Albert is Rector of the University of Duisburg-Essen and coordinates the new office.
Participants in a panel discussion
Panel discussion on "Opportunities and Challenges to Academic Freedom and Democracy".
Group photo of all guests
Group photo on the occasion of the opening of the new Latin America office.
Four people in front of a screen with contracts in their hands
The University of Minas Gerais and the University Alliance Ruhr have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
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