Rector Leandro Vanalli expands international cooperation at an event that brought together rectors from seven countries
The Rector of the State University of Maringá (UEM), Professor Leandro Vanalli, participated on 23 and 24 October 2025 in the 38th International Meeting of the Zicosur University Network (Central-Western Integration Zone of South America), held at the University of Antofagasta, Chile. The event brought together rectors and international advisors from higher education institutions from the 43 universities that integrate Zicosur to discuss topics related to internationalization, sustainability, and inclusion.
For 28 years, Zicosur has promoted cooperation among the seven countries that form part of the network: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Representatives from Zicosur higher education institutions also participated in the 38th Plenary Meeting of Rectors and the 13th Assembly of International Advisors.
According to the Rector of UEM, the current administration has intensified efforts to broaden internationalization initiatives, which reasons the importance of being present at the event. “Zicosur Universitario is a strategic space for academic and scientific integration. Participating in this meeting allows us to strengthen UEM's relationships with universities throughout South America and expand opportunities for international cooperation. We seek to establish partnerships that bring concrete benefits to our students, researchers, and regional development," Vanalli highlights.
With its own resources, UEM is offering ten scholarships for undergraduate students from five partner universities in the Zicosur Network to study for one semester at the main or regional campuses.
The Coordinator of the International Cooperation Office (ECI) at the State University of Maringá (UEM), Renato Leão Rego, adds that UEM already has a cooperation agreement with the host institution of the event, consolidating a partnership that has generated significant results in teaching and research.
“Through the Graduate Program in Nursing (PSE), UEM has already offered a doctoral program for professors from the University of Antofagasta, in addition to promoting academic mobility for faculty members and students between the two universities. These joint actions have strengthened internationalization and scientific exchange between Brazil and Chile,” Leão says.
Chilean universities
During his visit to Chile, Rector Leandro Vanalli also visited Santiago, where he fulfilled an institutional agenda at two of the country's leading universities: the University of Chile and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (UC Chile).
Leandro Vanalli and Patricio Felmer
At the University of Chile, Vanalli was welcomed by Professor Patricio Felmer, who has previously been involved in academic cooperation activities at UEM. The two institutions have an agreement in place that provides for the development of joint projects and the exchange of experiences in strategic areas.
Maria Montt, Leandro Vanalli and Juan Llera
(Photo: Samuel Díaz Colmenares/Announcement)
At UC Chile, the Rector was welcomed by the Vice President for International Affairs, Maria Montt, and by the President of the University, Juan Carlos de la Llera. Recognized as one of the best universities in South America, UC is a benchmark in innovation and applied research. The meeting paved the way for new possibilities for collaboration between the institutions.
UEM's participation in the Zicosur Network meeting and the visits to Chilean universities reinforce the Institution's commitment to regional academic integration and the expansion of international partnerships, which are fundamental for scientific advancement and excellence in education.
Translation team:
Felipe Amorim Piva
Julia Pedriali Rosa