The University of Queensland (UQ) has strengthened its partnerships across Latin America through a high-level mission led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC and Chancellor Peter Varghese AO.
The two-week visit, from 30 September to 11 October, included stops in Chile, Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, where UQ leaders met with senior representatives from universities, research institutes, government agencies and industry to explore new opportunities for collaboration in teaching, research and innovation.
Discussions highlighted the strong alignment between Australia and Latin America, identifying multiple opportunities to collaborate on projects in high-impact areas, including accelerating the transition to low-carbon economies, expanding access to inclusive education and skills development, and advancing digital transformation and innovation.
The delegation also visited UQ’s International Centre of Excellence in Chile (SMI-ICE-Chile), which is driving research in sustainable mining and development across Latin America.
UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) Mr Brett Lovegrove said the region’s research and innovation ecosystem offers significant opportunities for collaboration.
“Latin America’s vibrant research and innovation ecosystem plays a pivotal role in advancing transformative solutions globally, particularly in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, public health, and clean energy,” Mr Lovegrove said.
“These collaborations not only advance scientific knowledge but also foster meaningful exchange between our institutions, researchers, and communities. UQ is proud to contribute to and collaborate within this dynamic landscape."
Key engagements included meetings with Chile’s Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation (MinCiencia), the National Agency of Research and Development (ANID), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, CODELCO, São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Mexico’s Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (SECIHTI), the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and Tecnológico de Monterrey.
The mission also featured alumni and industry events in partnership with Austrade, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) and Australian embassies in Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Highlights included an industry roundtable in Brazil and a high-level dialogue with the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations (COMEXI).
Visits and events were delivered in partnership with Austrade, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), and the Australian Embassies, and supported by UQ’s Global Partnerships team.
UQ continues to expand its global footprint through strategic partnerships and international missions, advancing research and education that address global challenges and support sustainable development. For more information about UQ’s partnerships in Latin America, contact Global Partnerships.
