New York University has signed a letter of intent with Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) to create a formal affiliation between the two institutions.
New York University has signed a letter of intent with Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) to create a formal affiliation between the two institutions.
The partnership will facilitate academic exchanges of students and professors working in the area of public health at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the cities of New York and Salvador, Brazil. Areas of cooperation will include research and faculty development, and will involve students in projects for courses and field experiences.
The letter of intent was signed June 17 at UFBA, the largest university in the State of Bahia and one of Brazil’s most prestigious academic institutions, in the presence of Robert Berne, NYU Executive Vice President for Health, and Naomar Almedia, UFBA’s Rector.
“The emerging partnership between UFBA and NYU will add an important dimension to our Global MPH program, and has the potential to involve other parts of the University,” said Berne. “The links between Bahia and Africa, and the public health issues and challenges in New York, Salvador, and Accra create unique opportunities for faculty and students in research, teaching, and field work. Our potential of the UFBA-NYU partnership is unlimited."
Initially, the focus of the UFBA-NYU affiliation will be health. However, the intention is that the universities will also collaborate in the arts, with the possibility of travel and exchanges for students and teachers in areas such as theater and fine arts.
“UFBA and NYU are two large urban universities that have much to share," said James Macinko, NYU associate professor of public health and health policy, who attended the signing.
NYU began discussions with UFBA last year.