UCL signs memorandum of understanding with leading Brazilian Universities

The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction is pleased to announce the signature of two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading Brazilian universities, the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), and the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). 

The MoUs will strengthen the partnerships with Brazil in topics related to management of the built environment, including major infrastructure projects, cities, and sustainability. 

The MoUs are strategically designed to engage with leading organisations in the Global South and jointly address some of the most pressing problems of our times, such as climate change and access to infrastructure. Brazil has currently one of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure agendas, which will benefit from the UK’s recent experience in major projects and world-leading position in the infrastructure space. Simultaneously, these projects will also lead to environmental impacts that need to be further researched. 

These partnerships will unlock knowledge transfer initiatives and joint projects to deliver the pipeline of infrastructure projects building upon international management practices and addressing the climate change agenda.  

The partnerships are coordinated by Dr Juliano Denicol and Dr Armando Castro. 

Dr Juliano Denicol commented: 

"As London’s Global University, we are delighted to establish this partnership with Brazil to advance the delivery of major infrastructure projects in South America. Brazil is a natural force in renewable energy with multiple opportunities to inform our decarbonisation goals. We will develop projects adopting a system of systems approach, enabling the access to infrastructure for development and the transition to net zero."

Dr Armando Castro commented: 

"This is a great opportunity to develop international research projects related to the United Nations Development Goals (SDGs) in the Built Environment. We hope that this partnership will lead to research on inclusive societies for sustainable development and fight climate change in the UK and Brazil."

School Director, Professor D’Maris Coffman, commented: 

"These partnerships are part of our strategic vision to engage with key institutions in the Global South and advance UCL’s internationalisation strategy. Brazil is strategically positioned to stimulate change across the entire South America. As a School we are keen to engage with leading minds around the world to enhance diversity and develop innovative solutions to our global societal challenges. In a more immediate sense, we also hope these partnerships will create a pipeline for talented Brazilian students to pursue PGT and PGR degrees at UCL."