Universities and Science Minister David Willetts Hails Huge Potential of Ties with Brazil

Universities and Science Minister Rt Hon. David Willetts MP will announce that Britain and Brazil are to forge stronger scientific links, when he addresses a conference at London's Royal Society hosted by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) on 25th September.

In his upcoming keynote speech to the FAPESP Week conference being held 25th-27th September, Willetts will acknowledge Brazil’s rising position in research rankings, and emphasize the importance of UK-Brazil cooperation.

It is estimated in a report commissioned by Willetts’ own department, that higher education links with Brazil are already worth over £200m to the UK economy.

“Brazil has a growing reputation for developing cutting edge research, particularly in life sciences where there are huge growth opportunities” said the minister. “It’s essential that the UK works closely with colleagues from Brazil to maximize this potential.”

Willetts said the conference would: “ bring the brightest minds from both countries together, allowing scientists to create networks that could make a huge difference for years to come.”

Of the impending FAPESP Conference speech, FAPESP’s Scientific Director, Professor Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz, said “We are delighted that Minister Willetts will be attending the FAPESP Week symposium to deliver the keynote speech. São Paulo has a thriving environment for research and development. Now, we’re seeing an intensification of international research collaboration, and this will be decisive for the economy.”

Additional to the keynote speech Prof Brito Cruz will be announcing important bilateral research agreements with BG Group and two of the UK’s top universities.