UIC College of Dentistry represented in Brazil through Brasillinois Initiative
Introduction
Dr. Ana Bedran-Russo, associate dean for research, recently represented the UIC College of Dentistry as part of a University of Illinois System delegation to Brazil through the Brasillinois Initiative, reinforcing the college’s commitment to global collaboration and research excellence.
Launched in 2024, the Brasillinois Initiative was created to strengthen connections between the University System and Brazilian higher education and research institutions through strategic partnerships, academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities.
Dr. Bedran-Russo joined fellow UIC representative Dr. Joanna Groden, vice chancellor for research, as part of a 10-member delegation led by Jay Walsh, vice president for economic development and innovation. During the visit, the group traveled to São Paulo, Brasília, and Curitiba, meeting with funding agencies, university leaders and research organizations to explore new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen existing partnerships.
The Braillinois Initiative brings together the University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and University of Illinois Springfield with Brazilian universities, research institutions and government agencies. Through these partnerships, the initiative supports faculty and student mobility, advances interdisciplinary research and fosters collaboration in areas including health and medicine, sustainability, agriculture and social inclusion.
For the College of Dentistry, participation in the delegation reflects a continued commitment to building internation partnerships that expand research opportunities, enhance academic collaboration and contribute to improving health outcomes both locally and globally.