The Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), consistent with other public universities in Brazil, created a unit intended to encourage scientific production and knowledge in different fields of thought that considers a multi and cross-disciplinary approach to studies on the frontier of academic research. With this in mind, the Center for Advanced Studies (CEA) was created. The body is directly affiliated with the Vice-President’s office for Research and Postgraduate Studies (PROPPG), based on seven thematic work streams, which are: Food Security; Sustainable Development; Innovation; State, Institutions and Public Policies; One Health; Culture, Society and Heritage; and Social Inclusion and Human Rights. Gathering researchers and professors from the university and visiting researchers – domestic and/or foreign – the CEA is committed to the following goals:
a) to identify, systematize and organize information on ongoing research at UFRRJ, particularly that with a cross-disciplinary approach and with an emphasis on the frontier areas of knowledge in order to support its operational strategy;
b) to encourage and promote cutting-edge cross-disciplinary research on subjects and issues that challenge contemporary society in different areas of knowledge and in its varied economic, social, cultural, scientific and technological dimensions;
c) to explore and provide support in advancing the confrontation of theoretical-conceptual, epistemological, methodological and ethical issues that challenge contemporary academic, scientific and cultural work;
d) to encourage and provide, via all possible means, scientific, cultural and artistic exchange at national and international levels, particularly with top-notch research centers;
e) to bring in Brazilian and foreign researchers who have made a relevant contribution to scientific knowledge, culture and the arts, offering them the material and intellectual facilities to broaden and expand their studies and reflections;
f) to provide UFRRJ professors and researchers who are leaders in their fields of knowledge the material and intellectual conditions that are specifically conducive to the development of their studies and reflections for a determined time;
g) to sponsor various types of congresses, meetings, colloquia, exhibitions and programs that invite scientists and representatives from civil society to reflect on the future of education, the public university, science, culture and the arts in our country;
h) to offer postgraduate and extension programs, courses and disciplines tied to the thematic streams defined in its planning, based on specific resolutions by the upper boards of UFRRJ;
i) to interact with scientific-academic associations in order to create programs, events and projects with a common interest;
j) to create mechanisms designed to raise financial funding and boost revenues.