Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

In 2020, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro celebrates its 100^th anniversary. This date is an opportunity to take a look at its history, analyze the challenges of the present, and above all think about the role we want to play in the future of the country.

The University of Brazil, created on September 7, 1920 by President Epitácio Pessoa also under the alias “University of Rio de Janeiro”, brought together three schools of higher education: the School of Engineering, the School of Medicine, and the School of Law. These first schools were then joined by the National School of Fine Arts and the National School of Philosophy.

It took a few decades, however, before the university was consolidated as a research institution. In addition to excellence in higher education, UFRJ became a focal point for the economic and social development of the country thanks to its triad of teaching, research, and outreach. In recent years, UFRJ has grown in many ways. It became more diverse, focused on society, and advanced in research.

UFRJ, the largest federal university in the country, plays and will continue to play an important role in the education and development of Brazil, the world, and its many inhabitants.