University of Algarve hosts delegation from the State University of Amapá

On 10 April, the University of the Algarve (UAlg) welcomed a delegation from the State University of Amapá (UEAP), Brazil, composed of the vice-rector Marcela Nunes Videira, the coordinator for mobility and exchange at UEAP, Maria Danielle Hoshino, and the representative of the pro-rectory for undergraduate education, Érika da Costa Bezerra.

The visit took place within the framework of the ongoing collaboration established between the two institutions since 2019, with regard to student and researcher mobility, both short- and long-term.

In parallel, the meeting contributed to the strengthening of ties in the context of the European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), an international consortium of which UAlg is a member. UEAP is integrated into this alliance as a global external partner, specifically through its collaboration with UAlg, thereby reinforcing UAlg’s strategic role as a bridge between Europe and Latin America in the field of higher education and scientific research.

The delegation was welcomed by Alexandra Teodósio, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Sustainable Development at the University of the Algarve and SEA-EU, as well as by Marleni Azevedo, Coordinator of the Office for International Relations and Mobility (GRIM) at UAlg. The meeting represented a valuable opportunity for the sharing of experiences, discussion of new joint projects, and institutional strengthening of both universities.

One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the possibility of establishing a new partnership between UAlg and UEAP in relation to the recently launched Master’s degree in Amazonian Natural Resources.

The delegation was accompanied by Professor Cláudia Aragão on a visit to the laboratory associated with the Aquaculture Research Group (Aquagroup), part of the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR). During the visit, the delegation was able to observe the high-quality work carried out in the field of aquaculture, with emphasis on innovative projects in sustainability and aquaculture production—areas of mutual interest to both institutions. Also, at CCMAR, the three representatives were welcomed by researcher Vânia Baptista at the Laboratory of Ecology and Restoration of Riparian, Estuarine, and Coastal Habitats, given that UAlg receives UEAP students annually, some of whom undertake internships in research centres and academic departments.

The programme also included a visit to the MED campus – Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development – hosted by Professor Isabel Carvalho, who shared key insights into the centre’s main areas of excellence and expressed a willingness to welcome students in the future.

Such initiatives highlight the importance of international academic dialogue and the strengthening of relationships between universities from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, fostering a more global, inclusive, and collaborative approach to higher education.