The Worldwide Universities Network has extended its global reach by welcoming its first South American partner.
The University of Campinas in Brazil – popularly known as Unicamp – became WUN’s 19thmember at a signing ceremony this week. The agreement was signed by the Rector of Unicamp, Professor Fernando Ferreira Costa, and the WUN Chief Executive, Professor John Hearn.
Unicamp is regarded as one of the leading research universities in South America, and has a distinct profile among Brazilian universities as a leader in technology, health sciences, natural sciences, human sciences and the arts. It has produced more than 50 patents each year for the past decade.
Founded in 1966, the university has benefited from the state of São Paulo’s substantial investment in education. Undergraduate programs at Unicamp are provided free of charge for all students by the state.
The university currently has more than 31,000 students and around 2000 staff.
The Rector, Professor Costa, said: “Joining WUN represents international recognition of Unicamp's position as a world-class university.”
Director of International Relations, Professor Leandro Tessler, added: “One thing that was missing in the internationalisation of Unicamp was participation in a prestigious network like this. To enter WUN is a privilege.”
Professor Hearn, who met senior Unicamp staff on his visit to the campus, said: “We are eager to have researchers and administrators of the calibre found at Unicamp involved in all activities of WUN.”
He said WUN was excited about reaching into South America for the first time. “The addition of Unicamp gives us truly global coverage and a presence on every continent,” he said.
Professor Costa, will represent Unicamp on the WUN Partnership Board, with Professor Tessler sitting on the WUN Academic Advisory Group. A WUN Coordinator will be announced in the near future.
