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Der Campus Nord ist abgebildet. Im Zentrum des Bildes der Mathetower. © Roland Baege​/​TU Dortmund

UA Ruhr sees Latin America as a strong and reliable partner in the 21st century, says Rector of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert

Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert at the Opening Ceremony of the UA Ruhr Latin America Liaison Office © Felipe Mairowski​/​UA Ruhr
Interview with Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert, Rector of the University of Duisburg-Essen

Why did the University Alliance Ruhr decide to reopen a liaison office in São Paulo focusing on Latin America? How can the office contribute to strengthening scientific and academic cooperation with the region?

UA Ruhr already has numerous connections and collaborations with universities and other partners in Latin America and now wishes to support and expand these in an institutionalised way. We are very interested in joint research, student exchange, and academic mobility. “Science diplomacy” and the “strengthening of global democracy” are further important concerns for us with global significance.

With its local presence in São Paulo, the liaison office can make a significant contribution to establishing and deepening contacts between individuals and institutions, for example through individual advisory sessions, information about funding opportunities, and presentations of the UA Ruhr universities in Latin America. Likewise, it can introduce Latin American institutions to the three German partner universities, thereby facilitating exchange.

Of particular importance for us is the establishment of relationships with all of Latin America, including the Caribbean, where the liaison office provides an ideal starting point.

 

What are the strengths of the universities of the University Alliance Ruhr? What do you consider particularly attractive for Latin American students and researchers?

The University Alliance Ruhr offers an exciting profile with top-level research and a wide range of study programmes in a vibrant, economically strong region of Germany. We stand for academic excellence across all disciplines, from English Studies to Medicine, and for a strong commitment to diversity, sustainability, and educational equity. The three universities that form the UA Ruhr are among the largest and most research-intensive in Germany, with more than 100,000 students.

UA Ruhr is located at the heart of Europe and has numerous national and international contacts. In every respect, this makes it an ideal partner for Latin American universities. Moreover, the Ruhr region is one of Germany’s economic and industrial powerhouses, offering many opportunities for applied science and technology transfer.

 

What are your expectations regarding the engagement of researchers, teaching staff, and students from Germany and Latin America in activities supported by the UA Ruhr office, both in terms of mobility and joint projects?

The level of interest on the German side is already enormous, as demonstrated by the numerous responses to the opening of the liaison office. I very much hope that our visit to São Paulo for the opening ceremony will also draw the attention of partners in Brazil and across Latin America, so that we can strengthen and expand our network, in which we collectively take responsibility. We are particularly looking forward to enhancing international mobility in the future through bilateral exchanges at all levels.

 

In your view, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for deepening academic exchange between UA Ruhr and Latin American countries in the coming years?

The opportunities are obvious. We are expanding UA Ruhr with strong international academic partners, thereby increasing our capacity to tackle major global challenges — such as climate change and threats to democratic systems — through scientific work and personal contacts. The challenges are mainly financial, but this issue affects science on both sides of the Atlantic. We are convinced, however, that this must not and will not impede international cooperation. For this reason, we decided to open the liaison office and have allocated the necessary budget. One of our goals is, of course, also to acquire third-party funding for joint research projects.

 

How do you assess the role of UA Ruhr and its office at DWIH São Paulo in addressing global challenges such as sustainability, digital transformation, social inclusion, and academic freedom in dialogue with Latin American partners?

All of these aspects are very important to us. Together, it will be easier to tackle such global challenges. In this context, we see Latin America as a strong and reliable partner in the 21st century.

 

What role do innovation and technology transfer play in UA Ruhr’s plans in Latin America?

Innovation, co-creation, and technology transfer are key priorities for UA Ruhr. This is also achieved through close contacts with industry, which we actively support and maintain. We would be very pleased if, in the future, this could be strengthened with partners from Latin America. Here, too, the liaison offices play an important role in establishing contacts at all levels.