In Brazil’s dynamic higher-education landscape, initiatives that foster international collaboration are reshaping opportunities for academics and researchers. The recent launch of a dedicated visiting professor program between CAPES and the University at Buffalo stands out as a significant development, opening doors for Brazilian faculty to engage in collaborative research at one of the United States’ leading public research institutions.
Understanding CAPES and Its Role in Brazilian Higher Education
CAPES, or the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, operates as a key agency under Brazil’s Ministry of Education. It focuses on advancing the quality of university faculty and graduate education through scholarships, grants, and international mobility programs. For decades, CAPES has supported thousands of Brazilian scholars in pursuing advanced studies and research partnerships abroad, contributing to the country’s growing presence in global academia.
The new CAPES-UB Visiting Professor Program builds on this foundation by creating structured pathways for senior and junior faculty from Brazilian universities to spend one or two semesters at the University at Buffalo. This targeted initiative emphasizes collaborative research, allowing participants to work closely with UB host faculty while advancing their own projects.
The Partnership Between CAPES and University at Buffalo
The agreement was formalized in early 2025 when University at Buffalo President Satish K. Tripathi signed the partnership with CAPES representatives. The collaboration aims to strengthen ties between Brazilian higher-education institutions and UB, a flagship campus in the State University of New York system known for its research output across engineering, sciences, health professions, and social sciences.
Unlike broader mobility schemes, this program prioritizes research collaboration. Selected Brazilian professors receive funding from CAPES to cover travel, living expenses, and research activities during their stay. In return, the arrangement includes reciprocal opportunities for UB faculty to visit Brazilian institutions, fostering long-term academic networks.
Program Details and Eligibility for Brazilian Academics
The first phase, launched with a call for proposals in August 2025, targets up to ten senior faculty members and ten junior faculty members from universities across Brazil. Participants are expected to align their research with UB departments and secure host faculty support before applying.
Eligibility focuses on active researchers with strong publication records and clear project proposals that demonstrate mutual benefit. Senior professors typically bring established expertise, while junior faculty gain valuable international experience early in their careers. The program supports visits during the 2026-27 academic year, with flexibility for one-semester or full-year engagements.
Applications are coordinated through CAPES channels and UB’s Office of International Education, ensuring alignment with both Brazilian funding requirements and UB’s research priorities.
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Benefits for Brazilian Researchers and Institutions
Participation offers Brazilian academics access to UB’s advanced laboratories, libraries, and interdisciplinary research centers. Faculty can expand their networks, co-author publications, and explore new methodologies that may not be readily available in Brazil.
For home institutions, the program enhances internationalization efforts, potentially leading to joint degree programs, student exchanges, and future grant collaborations. Brazilian universities benefit from returning faculty who bring fresh perspectives and strengthened global connections.
PhD students are expected to join in subsequent phases, extending opportunities to emerging researchers and creating pipelines for advanced training.
Application Process and Timeline
Interested Brazilian academics begin by identifying potential UB collaborators and securing letters of support. Proposals are then submitted through CAPES’s international scholarship portal, with evaluations focusing on research quality, institutional impact, and alignment with program goals.
The August 2025 call established the framework for 2026-27 placements. Future cycles are anticipated annually, allowing ongoing participation. Successful applicants receive guidance on visa processes, housing, and integration into UB’s academic community.
Broader Context of Internationalization in Brazilian Higher Education
Brazil has long prioritized internationalization to elevate its universities in global rankings and research output. Programs like this complement existing efforts such as the PrInt initiative, which supports institutional partnerships abroad.
By partnering with a U.S. research university of UB’s caliber, CAPES provides Brazilian scholars with exposure to diverse funding models, publication practices, and collaborative cultures. This exposure can accelerate career advancement and contribute to Brazil’s knowledge economy.
Challenges and Considerations for Participants
While the program offers substantial advantages, participants must navigate practical considerations such as adapting to a new academic environment, managing family responsibilities during extended stays, and ensuring seamless reintegration upon return. CAPES and UB provide support services to address these aspects.
Language proficiency in English is typically required, along with alignment between research agendas. Junior faculty may face additional hurdles in balancing teaching loads with research commitments.
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Future Outlook and Expansion of the Program
Officials anticipate growth beyond the initial faculty cohort. The inclusion of PhD students will broaden access, while reciprocal UB visits to Brazil will deepen bilateral ties. Long-term goals include sustained research consortia and increased student mobility.
As Brazil continues to invest in higher-education internationalization, partnerships like the CAPES-UB program position the country’s academics to contribute more prominently to global conversations in science, technology, and the humanities.
How Brazilian Academics Can Get Involved
Faculty interested in future cycles should monitor CAPES announcements and reach out to UB departments aligned with their expertise. Building relationships through conferences or existing collaborations can strengthen applications.
University administrators in Brazil are encouraged to promote the program internally and assist with proposal development, maximizing institutional participation.