University Connection: Knowledge Ships open doors to projects that benefit communities

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Municipal Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation, launched the Conexão Universidade program. The event took place last Monday (August 4th) at the Nave do Conhecimento da Penha, in the North Zone, and marks an important partnership between the municipal government and higher education institutions, focusing on promoting university outreach projects in Rio's communities.

University extension is one of the pillars of higher education in Brazil. Through it, students and faculty develop work projects that promote the exchange of knowledge between academia and society, in addition to offering specialized services to those in need. This contributes to social development and the democratization of knowledge.

The program will open the doors of 12 Knowledge Ships, located in strategic social areas of the city, to allow undergraduate students from Rio universities to develop projects that will benefit the communities surrounding the facilities. A total of 46 proposals were approved, covering topics such as education, technology, the environment, reading, and innovation. The public call for proposals was published on the secretariat's website on June 5th.

During the event, the municipal secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation, Tatiana Roque, highlighted the importance of integration between universities and society.

"We know how innovative it is to bring knowledge produced in educational institutions to society. The city and the people of Rio will be the beneficiaries of this partnership that will help us find solutions and change lives," he stated.

Among the selected projects are CapacitaFin: Financial Education for the Community (UNISUAM), STEM Way: Opening Paths for Innovative Education (UVA), Reading as a Way to Combat Disinformation (UNIRIO), Robotics Minicourse with Arduino (UERJ) and Environmental Education League – LEducA/UERJ, in addition to initiatives such as Cartography and Innovation and Molecular Metaverse, also from UERJ.

Jaqueline Ribeiro is a student who is part of the Pharmaceutical Universe extension project at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, UERJ West Zone and talks about the group's plans:

"We were selected and are very happy for this opening day. We will have the opportunity to showcase a little more of the pharmaceutical profession and its more than 100 areas of expertise. The idea is also to interact with the community via the Knowledge Center and enable future professionals to help residents by being closer, answering questions, and providing guidance."

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• Science, Technology and Innovation
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August 6th, 2025

Appointments: Science and Technology University Connection Penha Knowledge Ship Knowledge Ships