Academic Freedom and Science Diplomacy at the Core of the Opening of the UA Ruhr Liaison Office for Latin America
The delegation of ten representatives from UA Ruhr was led by Prof. Barbara Albert, Rector of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), Prof. Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), and Prof. Gerhard Schembecker, Vice-Rector for Finance at TU Dortmund, representing Rector Prof. Manfred Bayer. The three universities form the Universitätsallianz Ruhr (UA Ruhr).
Overall, the three activities brought together more than 100 researchers and representatives from institutions, including the Head of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) in Brazil and DWIH São Paulo, Katharina Fourier; the representative of the DFG (German Research Foundation) in Latin America, Dr Christina Peters; the Head of the Fraunhofer Liaison Office Brazil, Dr Manuel Steidle; the Director of Germany Trade and Invest in Brazil, Gloria Rose; the President of Evonik Central & South America, Dr Hendrik Schönfelder; the Executive Manager of Lanxess and Vice-President of the Association of German Engineers (VDI Brazil), Robert Madersdorfer; the Rector of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Prof. Sandra Almeida; and the Vice-Rector of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Prof. Lia Bittencourt.
Also represented were the universities USP, UFABC, PUCRS, and UFRJ, the university Unifai, the research institute Fiocruz, the Goethe-Institut (South America regional office), the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), and the State Ministry of Science of Paraná (SCTES).
Visit to DWIH São Paulo
In the morning, the delegation was welcomed at DWIH São Paulo by Director Katharina Fourier, the Chair of the Advisory Board of DWIH São Paulo, Sören Metz, the Executive Director of the UA Ruhr Liaison Office, Marcio Weichert, and the Scientific Director of the UA Ruhr Liaison Office, Prof. Matthias Epple. After touring the new office, the visitors and representatives of other supporters of the German Centre (DFG, Fraunhofer, TU Munich, FU Berlin, University of Potsdam) exchanged views on research and university cooperation between Brazil and Germany. The strategic importance of São Paulo in Latin America was highlighted, along with challenges such as increasing the visibility of both countries as academic locations and barriers such as language.
Opening Event on Academic Freedom
Subsequently, an event was held at the University of São Paulo with nearly 90 guests from Brazil and Germany, discussing academic freedom and democracy, as well as their challenges and opportunities. Moderated by the Scientific Director of the Latin America Liaison Office, Prof. Matthias Epple, the office was officially opened by Rector Prof. Barbara Albert. Welcome addresses were given by Prof. Sérgio Proença, President of the USP Agency for National and International Academic Cooperation (Aucani-USP), Dr Christina Peters, and Katharina Fourier.
As the rector of the university responsible for representing the alliance, Prof. Barbara Albert delivered the opening speech. “We are very pleased to welcome representatives from many of our partner institutions here. We hope to strengthen and expand this network in the future. In addition to scientific cooperation, student exchange, and industry contacts, we are very interested in activities related to innovation and technology projects. These topics are important aspects of our UA Ruhr agenda. We are convinced that scientific cooperation plays a key role in strengthening academic freedom and democratic values,” said the Rector of the University of Duisburg-Essen.
Keynote by the UFMG Rector
After the presentation of the Universitätsallianz Ruhr by Dr Hans Stallmann, UA Ruhr Coordinator, the Rector of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Prof. Sandra Almeida, delivered a keynote on academic freedom and democracy. Prof. Almeida highlighted current attacks on universities by governments worldwide and emphasised the fundamental role of these institutions in preserving democracy.
“Universities are much more than just educational institutions. They are drivers of social and economic change. They are places where knowledge is put into practice, leading us towards a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future,” she said. Prof. Almeida stressed that the internationalisation of institutions is one way to respond to these challenges.
“The more visible you are at home and abroad, the more support you gain to face attacks from all sides. These measures also promote critical thinking through cultural understanding and empathy. In scientific and academic collaboration, we share not only knowledge but also excellence.”
For Prof. Almeida, exchange programmes such as Erasmus are tools for promoting peace and international understanding in Europe. “This type of cooperation—whether in teaching, research, or societal engagement—between countries and across the broad spectrum of internationalisation can lead to faster and wider dissemination of knowledge and best practices,” she said.
Debate
Following the keynote, representatives of UA Ruhr, moderated by Prof. Kornelia Freitag, Vice-Rector for Teaching at RUB, discussed with Prof. Almeida and Prof. Eduardo Zancul, Vice-Coordinator of InovaUSP. Prof. Zancul emphasised that academic institutions must question the status quo. Freedom is necessary for this. “We must be able to conduct research with academic freedom and scientific rigour to generate new ideas. And we also need critical thinking, as mentioned in the lecture. But we must do so with a critical attitude to improve our society and bring new ideas to benefit it,” he said.
Prof. Albert emphasised the importance of universities for international collaboration: “Science transcends borders. Cooperation in research and teaching can not only advance the participating scientific institutions but also create societal impact and impulses for a more sustainable and peaceful future.”
Prof. Schembecker stressed that academic freedom also means being able to ask questions without seeking permission. This is a privilege that comes with responsibility. “Our research must provide answers to pressing societal challenges. This also involves resilience, including aspects such as democracy, environmental protection, or sustainability. Such complex issues can only be addressed in international networks.”
For Prof. Paul, the modern university concept is that of a “networked university,” where alliances and interactions strengthen institutions and contribute to protecting academic freedom. “When we think of universities today, we may be the last institutions in many societies still enjoying this autonomy. We must also consider our history and the strength we have developed over centuries, which is now at risk of diminishing. That is why, as a university alliance, together with many others, we are working here and today to promote this principle of freedom of movement, closely linked to freedom of opinion and thought. These are fundamental values we must actively defend,” he said.
Prof. Almeida stated that she believes in cooperation between universities, even if it sounds overly optimistic. “I usually say that as a rector I cannot be pessimistic. If I show pessimism, everyone becomes pessimistic. But I am also realistic. There was a writer here in Brazil who said, ‘The optimist is a fool, the pessimist is boring.’ That is why he preferred to be both realistic and a little optimistic. That is exactly what I try to do. How can one be optimistic? By seeking better ways of cooperation. I believe in cooperation. I have dedicated myself a lot to international collaboration. This is the way to the future, and we have great potential in it,” she said.
Author: Rafael Targino
Editing and additions: Marcio Weichert
At the following link, you will find an interview with Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert, Rector of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE):