University of Münster strengthens international research cooperation: The latest updates from the CAPES-Brazil Chair
At the University of Münster, the Institute for Political Science and the Department of Communication in particular have had an eventful first quarter with significant developments in the renowned CAPES-Brazil Chair. The Institutes of Information Systems and Epidemiology and Social Medicine are pleased about the new call for applications for the next Brazil Chair.
New call for applications for the Brazil Chair
The Brazil Chair with the topic ‘Modelling Infection Disease Dynamics for Epidemiologic Management’ was announced by CAPES in February with an application deadline of 31 March 2025. This call is aimed at outstanding Brazilian researchers who can conduct research at the University of Münster for up to 18 months. The Chair emphasises the University of Münster's ongoing commitment to researching globally significant health issues, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further information on the Brazil Chair and the call can be found here.
Publication of the policy brief “Artificial Intelligence for Participation” as part of the “Scope” project
In the framework of the ‘State Capacity for Online Participation in Smart Cities’ (Scope) project, the policy brief ‘Artificial Intelligence for Participation’ has been published. This report is the result of the joint work of the CAPES Brazil Chair team, consisting of Prof. Dr. Vaz, the current holder of the Brazil Chair, Dr. Campagnucci, postdoctoral researcher, Ítalo Alberto Sousa, doctoral student, and Prof. Dr. Norbert Kersting, host professor of the team at the Institute for Political Science (IfPol) of the University of Münster. The publication was made possible by the support of CAPES and the Brazil Centre. The brief focuses on the introduction and resulting impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on political participation and democratic governance in urban contexts.
The report also draws on findings from the online event series "The Future of Online Participation", which took place from October 2024 to January 2025 under the coordination of Dr. Campagnucci and Prof. Dr. Vaz. During this series, the opportunities and risks of using AI in democratic processes were discussed together with other experts from Germany and Latin America.
Key topics in the policy brief include the development of technical, institutional and organisational capacities that are necessary for the application of AI, as well as ethical considerations and transparency in in data usage. The report also emphasises the need for an integrated and critically reflective approach to the use of AI in political participation and calls for an ongoing debate on the necessary state capacities.
The policy brief is available in English and Portuguese.
For further information, please visit the project website https://scope.uni-muenster.de.
Prof Dr Ana Larissa Oliveira takes up Brazil Chair at the University of Münster
Prof. Dr. Ana Larissa Oliveira, from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), has taken over the Brazil Chair professorship at the Department of Communication of the University of Münster, , with Prof. Dr. Julia Metag as her host. During her time as a visiting professor, she will conduct in-depth research into the effects of hate speech and verbal attacks on minorities. The CAPES-funded project actively promotes international cooperation and networking between Brazil and Germany.
Further information can be found here.
These activities are part of the long-term endeavours of the University of Münster and its partner institutions in Brazil to promote scientific excellence and open up new scientific and social perspectives through international cooperation.