The Leadership and Academic Collaboration Program with Delft University of Technology expands the cooperation network for projects and research.
authorship Fabio Gallacci
image editing Paulo Cavalheri
Photography Antoninho Perri
Until next Friday (8), Unicamp holds the second edition of Executive International Academic Leadership Program (Academic Leadership and Collaboration Program), a partnership with Delft University of Technology, Netherlands. The activity, initially held in Europe and now in Brazil, aims to strengthen the practice of communication and academic leadership in a global context, promote internationalization, and solidify a network of cooperation between universities for the development of projects and research. During the week, teams from both institutions develop activities focused on training leaders to become multipliers of best practices in the sector.
Since 1999, Unicamp and TU Delft – founded in 1842 – have maintained a joint collaboration in the fields of chemical, mechanical, civil, agricultural, and food engineering.
The rector of Unicamp, Paulo Cesar Montagner, highlighted the importance of initiatives aimed at training new academic leaders. “The program represents a strategy to consolidate Unicamp's internationalization, not only through the creation of new partnerships, but also through the maintenance of already established collaborations. Just look at the relevance of our partnership with Delft, one of the University's longest-lasting, with records dating back to the early 2000s. This also strengthens scientific research,” he stated. “Our expectation is that this knowledge will be disseminated to all university units, expanding the reach of partnerships and strengthening the institution's insertion in international networks,” added the rector.
The activity, first held in Europe and now in Brazil, aims to strengthen the practice of communication and academic leadership in a global context.
The general coordinator of Unicamp, Fernando Coelho, highlighted that the renewal of partnership ties enhances relevant developments in teaching, research, and innovation. “The exchange of experiences can result in the creation of new collaborative fronts in strategic areas. Among the examples is the model of a 'green village' developed by the European university, focused on creating technologies applicable to sustainable cities. The proposal can inspire similar projects at HIDS (International Hub for Sustainable Development) from Unicamp”, he points out.
Institutional ties
According to the executive director of International Relations (Deri) at Unicamp, Rafael Dias, the initiative develops skills that allow professors to incorporate an international perspective into their teaching, research, and outreach activities. “In addition to individual training, the program also aims to strengthen institutional ties between the two universities. It is essential to train new groups to keep these connections active and further advance this collaboration,” he emphasizes.
Focusing on young faculty members, the program provides a more solid vision of internationalization from the beginning of their academic careers, directly impacting undergraduate, graduate, and extension programs, says Cláudia Morelli, Pro-Rector of Graduate Studies (PRPG) at Unicamp.
Social Impact
Professor Gustavo Valença, one of the promoters and organizers of the activity, points out that, although the partnership with TU Delft is long-standing and central, the program adopts an open model, encouraging connections with institutions around the world. “In this edition, at least three of the 12 participants have already begun collaborations with TU Delft in areas such as public policy and hydrology. The expectation is that new partnerships will emerge from the established connections, reinforcing Unicamp's role in producing knowledge with national and international impact,” he says.
Professor Luana Mattos, advisor for International Relations at Unicamp, recalls that the program began in November of last year with in-person activities in Europe, followed by online meetings. In the final stage, scheduled for Friday (8), in Campinas, participants will present projects developed throughout the training. For Matos, one word sums up the whole work: integration.
Original Post: Unicamp website
