Queen Mary University of London hosts delegation to advance national impact framework in Brazil

Representatives from the University of São Paulo, Brazilian National Council of State Research Funding Agencies, São Paulo State Research Funding Agency, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Department for Business and Trade were part of the delegation exploring methods for measuring research impact, with a view to building a national impact assessment framework for Brazil.   

The event builds on relationships forged during a recent higher education trade mission to Brazil in October 2024. Queen Mary’s Professor Helen Bailey was a delegate on the mission, which was led by Professor Sir Steve Smith, supported by the British Council, the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth and the Development Office and involved other UK universities  

Speaking on the importance of this Brazilian delegation visit to Queen Mary, Professor Helen Bailey said: 
 
“It is vital that higher education leaders from both the global north and global south are able to come together equitably and in open dialogue to learn from one another about the relative strengths of our systems. At Queen Mary, we value the opportunity to share our research impact expertise and to engage in the debate about the social impact of higher education both locally and globally. We are delighted to have been able to host such an eminent group from both UK and Brazilian higher education leadership”.  

Invited speakers included Professor Sir Steve Smith; Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International; Professor Sir David Eastwood, Chairman of INTO University Partnerships; Professor Nicola Dandridge from the University of Bristol; Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute; Professor Rodrigo Calado, Provost of Graduate Studies at the University of São Paulo; Professor Paul Heritage, Director of People’s Palace Projects; and Dr. Philippa Lloyd, Vice Principal Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Queen Mary University. 

In presentations and panel discussions, these experts explored the higher education landscape, policy challenges, and impact in the UK and Brazil. Queen Mary showcased the People’s Palace Projects as an example of an impact case study, with Professor Paul Heritage presenting it as a leading exemplar of practice-based research that uses creative methods to generate measurable social impact across different countries.  

Professor Rodrigo Calado delved into the importance of public accountability in Brazil’s state-funded universities: 
 
"In Brazil, with our complex higher education system, it’s crucial that we demonstrate to both taxpayers and policymakers that their investment directly benefits society—not only through research and teaching excellence but by fostering innovation and industry connections. As we face challenges like declining PhD enrolments, now is the moment to reimagine our university structures to serve a broader range of careers and provide inclusive support for our diverse student body."