Discussion of Cooperation Issues with the University of Sao Paulo
At the beginning of February 2016 Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University housed the meeting of the Vice-Rector for International Relations, D.G. Arsenyev and the professor of the University of São Paulo, Marcelo de Andrade Romero. Professor Romero came to the Polytechnic University to deliver lectures and to develop inter-university cooperation.
The University of São Paulo (Brazil) is a priority partner of SPbPU and one of the most prestigious universities in the world (132d place in the QS World University Rankings). The meeting was also attended by the Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering (ICE), D.Eng.Sc. N.I. Vatin, the Director of the Center of Additional Professional Programs affiliated to ICE, K.I. Strelets, and the Head of International Educational Programs Department, E.G. Nikonchuk.
The guest of honour was welcomed by the Vice-Rector for International Relations of SPbPU, D.G. Arsenyev. Dmitry Germanovich thanked Professor Romero for cooperation and expressed determination of Polytech representatives to start discussing various opportunities for cooperation, aimed at the creation and promotion of inter-university research projects.
Professor de Andrade Romero is the Dean of Architecture and Civil Engineering School of the University of São Paulo, and the Director of the Environmental Management of the University. Professor Romero belongs to the years-long partners of ICE who work in WC2 club (Eco - Campus). At the moment he is delivering a course of lectures in ICE on Architecture, Energy-Efficient Buildings and Constructions.
"I am very glad to see you in the Polytechnic University, and I want to note that our countries have special relationships in the sphere of education. Our common goal is to develop and improve of the quality of education. These common interests were discussed at the meeting of the Ministers of Education of Russia and Brazil, which took place in November 2015. The negotiators talked about the development of academic mobility, actualization of many projects related to the integration into the international educational space. I believe that the University of São Paulo is one of the best universities in the world and I look forward to a successful cooperation", said D.G. Arsenyev.
The Vice-Rector for International Relations also spoke about the large-scale projects of SPbPU aimed at promoting educational curricula and programs of the University among foreign students. One of the most important achievements in this area is the International Summer School. Students from Brazil take part in the Summer School activities with great pleasure. Professor Romero agreed that Russian education is highly valued in the BRICS countries and SPbPU degree is a decent choice and excellent prospects for the future.
The Head of International Educational Programs Department, E.G. Nikonchuk told Marcelo de Andrade Romero about the advantages of studying in the Summer School of SPbPU. It is worth noting that the next joint plan is to open Russian - Brazilian Summer School. Elena Germanovna emphasized that the staff of International Educational Programs Department have well researched the professional expectations and motivation of the young people from the BRICS countries.
In his turn, the professor of the University of São Paulo talked about the timeliness of cooperation with SPbPU, as well as common research interests, identical strategies of development, and his personal attitude to the city on the Neva.
"I am honored to deliver lectures in the Polytechnic University. I hope that our cooperation will continue. I really like St. Petersburg, its sights, its style and unique character in everything. I've already visited many places. Faberge Museum deserves special attention", shared his impressions Marcelo de Andrade Romero.
The academic staff of SPbPU supported all educational initiatives of the professors from São Paulo with great enthusiasm, and agreed on constant exchange of information, reciprocal visits and new negotiations, in which they will place the highest value on the issues of academic mobility and implementation of strategic international projects.
"The University of São Paulo pays special attention to the training of specialists in the field of hydraulic engineering. One of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world - " Itaipu " - is located in Brazil. The students and academic staff of our Institute are ready to learn from the experience and knowledge of our Brazilian colleagues, to work together on the advanced research and innovation projects", said ICE Director N.I. Vatin.
"Cooperation with the University of São Paulo is of great interest for SPbPU. I’d like to note that we have a lot in common. And, first of all, it’s a commitment to continuous improvement of curriculum programs aimed at meeting the needs of society and the state. The result of cooperation of Professor Romero and ICE is the joint work in the research projects", added Ksenia Strelets.
"The lectures of the professor from Brazil are the current trend in the professional and personal experience of international cooperation. Today our country's construction industry faces many important challenges. Many of them can be solved in cooperation with foreign colleagues", said ICE students. In general, the main results of the Russian-Brazilian educational meeting are signing an agreement between the University of São Paulo and SPbPU, the participation of Professor Romero in the ICE Summer School “Sustainable Development”, and mutual intentions of developing partnership.
For reference:
The University of São Paulo (Universidade de São Paulo, USP) is one of the most famous universities in Brazil. The university was founded in 1934. Educational and research departments are located in 11 USP campuses: 4 - in São Paulo, 2 - in São Carlos , and one in Bauru, Piracicaba, Pirassununga, Lorena and Ribeirao Preto. According to the reports from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Brazil, more than 25 % of scientific articles published by Brazilian researchers in reputable journals are prepared by the researchers from the University of São Paulo. Every year more than 60 000 school leavers enter the University. The University of São Paulo tops QS University Rankings in Latin America.
International Relations Office