OCAD University had announced a partnership with four major universities in Brazil.
The collaboration—the result of a joint effort by OCAD, the
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the four Brazil institutions and Brazil's
Science Without Borders Program—will ensure a consistent flow of students, resources, and research between the two countries.
OCAD University president Dr. Sara Diamond says Brazil is a uniquely situated partner for Canadians working in tech development, especially considering Brazil's explosive economic growth. Both countries also share some challenges, says Diamond, "such as bringing the Internet into remote areas."
The ties between OCAD and the four Brazil institutions—
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro,
Universidade de Brasília,
Universidade Anhenbi Morumbi,
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul—are already strong, says Diamond. The new agreement aims to formalize the relationships.
"A number of faculty here, including myself, have had ongoing research relationships with Brazilian faculty at various universities, in fields such as inclusive technologies, data visualization, art and technology, wearable technologies, virtual reality and mobile design," says Diamond. "As well, a number of these universities are part of a network of data visualization researchers who work with Canadians."
Opportunities for joint collaboration include mobile technologies and intersections between art and technology, as well as social medial and biomedical visualization.
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source: OCAD University President, Dr. Sara Diamond