The Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) received representatives from theIntersectoral Research Center for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (Cipard), of the Minas Gerais State Military Fire Department (CBMMG), to discuss possibilities of cooperation between the institutions.
Linked to the Military Fire Department Academy (ABM), Cipard operates on the integration between scientific knowledge, research, innovation, and operational activities, with a focus on climate change, civil protection and defense, and disaster risk reduction.
The meeting allowed the presentation of the structures and experiences of the two institutions and opened the way for new discussions about demands and projects (Photo: Twin Alvarenga/UFJF)
The program began in the morning with a visit to the Nucleus for Integration for Sustainability, Climate Change and Agriculture (Niassa)at the Experimental Farm in Chapéu D’Uvas. In the afternoon, the corporation visited other spaces of the University and participated in a meeting with representatives of the Rectory.
The following individuals were present: the rector of UFJF, Girlene Alves; the pro-rector for Extension, Erika Andrade; the pro-rector for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Isabel Cristina; the pro-rector for Infrastructure, Fábio Brum; the administrative technician of the Directorate of Sustainability and Patrimony, Janizete Marques; professors and researchers from Niassa; as well as representatives from the Fire Department.
During the meeting, members of Cipard highlighted their interest in aligning the demands identified in the corporation's activities with academic production. The proposal is to transform daily challenges into research topics, and subsequently apply the acquired knowledge in operational activities.
The Fire Department already maintains collaborations with educational institutions in Minas Gerais and other states in areas such as civil defense, mass movements, fire fighting, first aid, and disaster management. The intention is to expand this network and identify possibilities for joint work with UFJF.
According to Major Machado, the cooperation can benefit both sides: the University contributes with research, training, and scientific knowledge, while the corporation provides field experiences and concrete demands from the territories. "This approach can contribute to transforming these issues into research projects, extension activities, and training initiatives," he emphasized.
Research and professional training
The qualification of firefighters was also among the topics discussed in the meeting. Representatives of the corporation presented initiatives to encourage the academic training of military personnel, including the completion of master's and doctoral degrees in Brazil and abroad.
In this regard, the corporation seeks to expand postgraduate and research opportunities for its members, in collaboration with universities and research groups. The training could be offered by UFJF or by the corporation itself.
Captain Vanessa Filippo, a graduate of the first cohort of a postgraduate program in public management in civil protection and defense at UFJF, highlighted the importance of this integration from her experience. According to her, the dialogue between researchers and professionals allows to bring the knowledge produced by the University closer to the needs found in the daily routine of the corporation and, subsequently, of the population.
Science for society
The importance of bringing scientific production closer to social demands was also emphasized by the rector. For Girlene, in the face of the worsening of climate events, it is essential to strengthen the dialogue between universities and institutions responsible for implementing public policies and for direct action in the territories.
The dean emphasized that the university should be open to listening to the demands of society and to building initiatives capable of transforming scientific knowledge into concrete actions. "We don't do research to produce something that doesn't improve our lives. In fact, we want it to improve the lives of all of us," she said.
Next steps
UFJF and the Fire Department should continue the dialogue to identify areas of common interest and possible research, extension, and training initiatives. The meeting allowed the two institutions to present their structures and experiences and opened the way for new discussions about demands and projects that could be developed jointly.