Uniting Innovation, Education, and Global Impact for Illinois and Brazil

Welcome

Brasillinois is a partnership between the University of Illinois System and Brazil’s universities and research institutions. Launched under the leadership of President Tim Killeen, Brasillinois builds on over 100 years of collaboration—now unified to drive innovation, student opportunity, and shared discovery across borders.

In a world facing climate crises, global health challenges, and democratic uncertainty, Brasillinois brings together thinkers, learners, and leaders from both nations to co-create solutions with global reach and local impact.

Our Vision

Knowledge Without Borders

Brasillinois envisions a future where:

Research
drives sustainable development.

Education
connects cultures and communities.

Partnership
power-inclusive, data driven progress

We believe the Global South and North have much to learn from each other—and that collaboration between Brazil and Illinois can model the next generation of equitable, cross-hemisphere engagement.

Our Focus Areas

Innovate for Climate Resilience

We partner with FAPESP, Amazon+10, UNICAMP, and USP to tackle climate change through research in agriculture, energy, water systems, and sustainability.

Advance Global Health

In collaboration with Fiocruz, FAPESP, and others, we support interdisciplinary research to improve public health.

Champion Democratic Inclusion

Through exchanges and research in law, education, and cultural studies, we explore how education and civic engagement can strengthen democracy, social justice, and equity.

Our Partners

Brasillinois works with institutions across Brazil and Illinois, including below is a selection of our partners, listed alphabetically:

CAPES

CONFAP

Federal University of Pelotas
(UFPel)

FAPESP
(São Paulo Research Foundation)

FAPERGS
(Rio Grande de Sul Foundation)

Fiocruz

PUC-Rio

State University of Campinas
(Unicamp)

University of São Paulo
(USP)

Together with the University of Illinois System—UIUC, UIC, UIS, Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), and Illinois Innovation Network (IIN)—these partnerships shape a dynamic network for global knowledge and innovation.

Why This Matters

Brasillinois is more than a research initiative—it's a bridge.

A bridge that:

Opens doors for students through language exchange and study abroad opportunities

Supports development in both urban and rural regions

Builds new knowledge to confront shared global challenges

We’re creating a future that works better—for both Brazil and Illinois, and beyond.