On July 1, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, which together form the Berlin University Alliance (BUA), hosted the fifth edition of their annual Brazil network reception. Students and researchers from Brazil, as well as BUA researchers collaborating with Brazilian partner institutions, gathered at the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil. Information booths by Berlin’s Clusters of Excellence Center for Chiral Electronics, ImmunoPreCept, MATH+, and SCRIPTS, as well as BUA Science & Startups, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Centre for Research and Innovation (DWIH) São Paulo, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the Apoena network, provided insights into funding opportunities and research focuses, and offered advice on start-ups, mobility and networking opportunities. The event was opened by Paulo Gustavo Iansen de Sant’Ana, Minister-Counselor of the Brazilian Embassy. On behalf of the Berlin Senate, Dr. Gerrit Rößler, Desk Officer for Internationalization and Science Communication, welcomed the approximately 100 guests.

The four partner institutions of the Berlin University Alliance have maintained close and wide-ranging relations with universities and research institutions in Brazil for many years. Student exchange and research cooperation are in high demand on both sides and are being continuously expanded. New momentum is provided, among other initiatives, by the joint call of the Berlin University Alliance and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), which supports the development of further collaborative projects. The annual network reception helps to deepen existing partnerships, initiate new projects, and showcase the variety of activities of the Berlin University Alliance in cooperation with Brazil.