South America visit strengthens University’s partnerships

Professor and Vice-Chancellor GQ Max Lu recently led a senior delegation visit to Argentina and Brazil to develop Surrey’s links in the region. The focus was on developing mutually beneficial partnerships related to strategic research priorities for the University.

The Nanosystems Institute at Universidad Nacional de San Martin welcomed delegates in Buenos Aires.

In Argentina, the delegation met Minister Daniel Fernando Filmus and Dr Franchi, President of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET.

Patrick Degg, Vice President (External Engagement) said:

“Surrey’s strengths in the research areas of space, artificial intelligence, sustainability and health provide a strong basis for collaboration and align with the strategic priorities of Argentina’s Ministry of Science and Technology.”

Delegates welcomed the opportunity to explore collaborative models and shared interests, including offering PhD student and staff mobility.

The delegation was then hosted by the Institute of Nanoscience at the Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), where collaborative research projects and opportunities for student exchange programmes were explored.

Professor Lu delivered his inaugural lecture to the Argentina National Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences (ANCEFN), where he was inducted as a Corresponding Member during the visit.

In Brazil, the delegation met valued partners, including the President of FAPESP, the São Paulo Research Foundation, and the University São Paulo (USP), which is a leading university in Latin America and a founding member of the University Global Partnership Network (UGPN).

Meetings with leaders of the USP’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence (C4AI) and Institute of Energy and Environment (IEE) identified opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration with a view to creating global impact in these key strategic areas.

Professor GQ Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor said:

“Surrey enjoys broad and deep academic links with colleagues at the University of São Paulo, and together we have engaged in research projects tackling global challenges over many years through the University Global Partnership Network. We look forward to building on our long-standing partnership in the years to come.”

Find out more about the University of Surrey’s international engagement strategy here.