TH Köln expands international cooperation with the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro
TH Köln and the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further intensify their successful cooperation and actively promote the internationalization of higher education. On May 29, the partner university in Brazil received a delegation from TH Köln and the partner university TU Clausthal for the signing ceremony.
The aim of the agreement is to intensify the promotion of academic and cultural exchange in the fields of education and research on the basis of a framework agreement. In general, the cooperation includes programs aimed at this, but each specific program is subject to mutual agreement, the availability of funding and the approval of both universities.
Representatives of TH Köln and TU Clausthal were welcomed by Vice Rector César Da Ros (center) at the Rectorate
(Image: Prof. Willian Pereira (IA/UFRRJ))
Specifically, the agreement covers the following key points:
- The two universities will work together in areas of common interest and promote the exchange of students and academic and administrative staff.
- They engage in joint research activities and the exchange of academic materials.
- Funding issues are dealt with on an individual basis, with the home university generally responsible for travel costs and scholarships.
- Up to two students can be exchanged between the universities each year.
Reliable legal framework
“This agreement is an important step towards strengthening our long-standing partnership and expanding our international network in education and research,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Sabine Schlüter from the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems. “We have already successfully carried out several research projects with the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro and therefore welcome the fact that our cooperation has been given a reliable legal framework,” continues Prof. Schlüter.
These include the TRABBIO project on the utilization of biomass from the sugar cane harvest and the current KIBRAS project on the use of AI in the management of biodiversity in agricultural systems, both led by TU Clausthal. A further joint research proposal is currently being prepared as part of the current KIBRAS funding. There are also plans for an exchange of teaching staff and a summer school next year.
June 2025