About the Rio Center

Rio Global Center office

Columbia Global Centers | Rio de Janeiro is a hub for Columbia programs and initiatives relevant to Brazil. Established in 2013, the Center contributes to Brazil's academic and research environment, while also allowing members of the Columbia community to increase their knowledge and explore academic opportunities within Brazil. The Center works in collaboration with local universities, non-governmental organizations, and public institutions to design cross-cutting, innovative programs that aim to improve the understanding of global challenges through a transdisciplinary, transcultural and applied perspective. Ongoing events, lectures, and seminars hosted by the Center build a lively and engaged community of local and international alumni, students, and faculty.

Our work is to promote Columbia in Brazil by creating opportunities for the academic community to interact with our local base of partners. Our success is when the ideas created in this process become projects that connect civil society, academia and governments and that can help find applicable solutions to the world's more pressing challenges.

In the brief time since its launch, the Rio Center has established critical networks throughout Brazil and generated much research, debate, and educational programming focused on local issues. It informs the University’s approach to analysis and research on Brazil, as well as drawing support for Columbia within Brazil.

Through the advance and exchange of knowledge, we seek to strengthen academic investigation, social impact entrepreneurship, and the development of innovative technologies in Brazil.