Canada’s universities applaud government initiatives for research and innovation partnerships in Brazil

OTTAWA, August 8, 2011 – The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) is delighted by the Government of Canada’s announcement today of increased cooperation with Brazil in the areas of higher education research and innovation.

During a visit to Brazil on August 8 where he met with President Dilma Rousseff, Prime Minister Harper announced renewed funding for the International Science and Technology Partnership Program, and the development of a new and unique bilateral Science and Technology Action Plan focused on innovation. The Action Plan will encourage Canadian and Brazilian academic and business communities to work together to accelerate the commercialization of research and development in areas of common interest. The prime minister also announced the recipients of the first eleven scholarships granted under the Canada-Brazil scholarship program, a component of the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP).

“The focus on knowledge and innovation demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to deepening relations with our Brazilian partners,” says Paul Davidson, President of AUCC. “This kind of support for the internationalization of Canadian universities and for collaborative research and innovation drives economic growth and strengthens relationships.”

Brazil is also a country of priority for Canadian universities. AUCC and its members are making concerted efforts to improve bilateral academic relations with Brazil in a timely and focused manner. In June, AUCC led a workshop to advance excellence in strategic engagement with Brazil, bringing together senior participants from over half of Canada’s universities, their Brazilian counterparts, government representatives and other stakeholders. Canadian and Brazilian universities signalled their strong interest in reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationships and a shared interest in promoting innovation.

Building on the successes of the workshop and the momentum generated by recent high-level government visits to Brazil, AUCC is organizing a mission of Canadian universities presidents to Brazil in the spring of 2012. This mission will help raise the collective profile of excellence of Canadian universities in Brazil, providing opportunities to advance the Canada-Brazil higher education and research agendas.

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For more information, contact:
Mélanie Béchard
Communications Officer
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
Tel: 613-563-3961, ext. 306
Mobile: 613-884-8401
Email: mbechard@aucc.ca