Partnership between UEM and an Italian university strengthens academic mobility, consolidates the Double Degree Program in Economics, and expands international cooperation in teaching and research.
The collaboration between the University of Calabria (UNICAL) and the State University of Maringá (UEM), as part of the Green and Pink for Sustainable Education (GPS-Education, PNRR TNE23-00012 - CUP D74G23000280006), has significantly strengthened international academic cooperation, student and faculty mobility, research collaboration, and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive higher education. Through a combination of mobility programs, joint educational initiatives, research activities, and institutional engagement, the partnership has contributed to strengthening internationalization and consolidating long-term academic ties between Italy and Brazil.
Student mobility was a cornerstone of the collaboration. Through specific selection procedures and comprehensive academic and administrative support, students from both institutions participated in study and research exchanges focused on sustainability, gender equality, digital innovation, and international education. In total, the cooperation involved 11 incoming and outgoing students, who attended courses, took exams, conducted research for their final degree projects, and actively participated in academic and outreach activities organized by the partner universities. These experiences contributed to the students’ academic development, strengthened their intercultural skills, and broadened their international perspectives, thereby reinforcing the educational relationship between UNICAL and UEM.
Faculty mobility played an equally important role in strengthening the partnership. A total of 13 faculty members participated in exchange activities between UNICAL and UEM. Visiting professors taught classes and conducted research seminars on sustainability, social inclusion, educational innovation, digital transformation, and related topics. The exchange activities also included institutional meetings, research workshops, discussions on future academic collaborations, and the development of joint scientific initiatives. These activities facilitated the exchange of expertise, strengthened research networks, and created new opportunities for collaboration in teaching and research.
One of the main outcomes of the partnership was the ongoing development of the Dual Degree Program in Economics between UNICAL and UEM. The program’s implementation was successfully tested through student mobility activities, which demonstrated its academic effectiveness and the compatibility of the educational pathways offered by the two institutions. The positive results obtained strengthened confidence in the program and solidified both universities’ commitment to long-term educational cooperation. Furthermore, academic discussions and mobility experiences supported the exploration of new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of Data Science and Computer Science, laying the groundwork for future joint educational initiatives.
The research collaboration yielded results in the areas of sustainability, gender equality, academic mobility, environmental innovation, and socioeconomic development. The joint research activities involved faculty and students from both universities and resulted in presentations at international conferences, publications in conference proceedings, submissions to academic journals, and the development of new collaborative research projects. These activities increased the partnership’s scientific visibility and contributed to the creation of a dynamic international research network between Italy and Brazil.
The partnership also promoted advanced training through participation in Advanced Skills courses focused on sustainability, gender equality, educational innovation, and digital transformation. These activities enabled students and faculty to acquire new skills and strengthen their engagement with emerging global challenges.
Dissemination was an important aspect of the partnership. DESF International Day served as an important platform for presenting mobility experiences, disseminating project results, and promoting future international opportunities for students, graduates, and faculty. Equally important was the workshop “Sustainable Development and Gender Parity: Socio-Economic Impacts in Global Perspectives,” which brought together researchers, students, and institutional representatives to present research findings, discuss global challenges, and identify future areas of collaboration. The partnership also gained visibility through cooperation with the Brazilian Embassy in Rome and recognition by the Italian community in Maringá, which highlighted the value of the academic, scientific, and cultural relationship established between the two universities.
An important outcome of the collaboration was the gradual expansion of cooperation beyond the traditional fields of Economics and Finance. New opportunities for collaboration were developed in areas such as Data Science, Computer Science, Business Economics, Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Managerial Engineering, creating a broader interdisciplinary framework for future mobility, teaching, and research activities. These developments strengthened the strategic dimension of the partnership and increased its potential for long-term growth and impact.
Overall, the partnership between UNICAL and UEM has successfully strengthened international mobility, consolidated the Dual Degree Program in Economics, reinforced academic and institutional cooperation, promoted high-quality research, expanded interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributed to the development of a more innovative, inclusive, and globally connected higher education environment.
Translation team:
Felipe Piva Amorim
Julia Pedriali Rosa