Bangor University strengthens research links with Brazil

After signing a research co-operation agreement with the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in June 2012, making Bangor the first Welsh University to establish a research partnership with FAPESP, Bangor University is pleased to announce the first research projects funded under the co-operation programme.

The programme is supporting three research projects linking researchers from Bangor and Universidade de São Paulo in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The supported projects are:

•    Locating vulnerable marine ecosystems on the Brazilian Shelf: Maximising research potential, Dr Andrew J. Davies (Bangor), Paulo Y. G. Sumida (Universidade de São Paulo)
•    Integration of marine ecological processes at multiple spatial scales in the Brazilian coastal zone, Dr Stuart Jenkins (Bangor), Áurea Maria Ciotti (Universidade de São Paulo)
•    Tropical and Temperate Marine Ecosystems - Adapting to a Changing World, Dr Ian McCarthy (Bangor), Prof. Dr. Alexander Turra (Universidade de São Paulo)

All three projects reflect Bangor's international reach and research strengths in Marine Sciences and Marine Ecology. Commenting on the announcement Professor David Shepherd, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Bangor University said “Developing international research is a priority for Bangor University. Brazil is rapidly developing into an international research super power. These research projects jointly funded by Bangor University and FAPESP are an important step in the development of new and strong research collaborations between Bangor and other universities in Brazil.”

Bangor University is the first University in Wales to establish a research partnership with FAPESP and reflects its ambition to further develop its international profile. Bangor University is also a participant in the ambitious ‘Science without Borders’ scheme, which will see 100,000 Brazilian students studying in top universities worldwide over the next few years.

Founded in 1962, FAPESP is an independent public foundation with a mission to foster research and the scientific and technological development of the State of São Paulo.  It is one of the main funding agencies for scientific and technological research in Brazil.  It is considered a role model for funding innovative research and academic exchange, and has thousands of contracts for academic exchange, scholarships and research projects. FAPESP currently has over 30 HEI and Research Institute partnerships in place, involving 12 UK universities, Bangor is the first in Wales.

Publication date: 2 August 2013