York University, Unicamp (Brazil) sign agreement for new partnerships
The Memorandum of Understanding between York and the Brazilian institution opens doors for more hemispheric research collaborations and exchange programs
York University and Brazil’s University of Campinas (Unicamp) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish research collaborations and faculty and student exchange programs. This further strengthens the relationship built when President Rhonda Lenton hosted a Unicamp delegation at York in 2023, led by the then rector, Antonio Jose de Almeida Meirelles.
“We are excited to forge ahead with new initiatives that support our students and faculty in collaborating across borders,” says Lisa Philipps, Provost and Vice-President Academic, York University. “Some of our faculty members are already engaged in research projects with colleagues at Unicamp, and this MOU reflects York’s ongoing commitment to internationalization and global engagement.”
Nearly a dozen Unicamp and York faculty members are in discussions to begin multidisciplinary research in areas including sustainability, urban studies, media and culture, and artificial intelligence, supported by both institutions’ international offices.
Unicamp’s Rector Paulo Cesar Montagner noted that York University has “very interesting research areas that are ideal for engaging with us on various future projects.” He added, “This is a major achievement … and this agreement could consolidate some discussions that were already underway.”
The MOU was signed during their meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 General Assembly of the Hemispheric University Consortium (HUC), hosted by Unicamp.
University leaders from 12 countries in the region convened at the HUC event to explore how to enhance global learning opportunities for students across the hemispheric countries, and to foster joint research and innovation on shared challenges.
Likewise, the new agreement with Unicamp—a research intensive institution ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide and the top three universities in Latin America and the Caribbean region by the prestigious QS World University Rankings—aligns with York’s Global Engagement Strategy, which prioritizes meaningful partnerships that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and foster inclusive, cross-border collaboration.
