Juliana Fischer:

Professor Savedra, you are a truly exceptionally successful alumna of our university and now Vice-Rector for Research, Young Academics and Innovation at Universidade Federal Fluminense. How did you come to hold this position?

Professor Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

A decisive stage was my postdoctoral research at the University of Duisburg-Essen. I first came to Duisburg in 2003 and returned in 2004 for my postdoctoral project. Together with Professor Ulrich Ammon, I conducted research on language policy, in particular comparing the two regional blocs of the European Union and Mercosur. This work had a lasting impact on my academic profile.

I then worked in Brazilian research funding, coordinating international programmes and German-Brazilian doctoral projects. These experiences ultimately led to my appointment as Vice-Rector in 2023.

Prof. Dr Barbara Albert:

As someone outside the field, may I ask you to briefly explain what a sociolinguist does? And why did you choose Duisburg-Essen when you wanted to do a postdoctoral fellowship?

Prof. Dr Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

Sociolinguistics examines language in a social context. In Brazil, the focus is strongly on linguistic variation and language contact. My own research focuses primarily on minority languages, in particular Germanic minority languages such as German, Pomeranian and Hunsrückisch, which arrived in Brazil through immigration. We have identified a total of 13 such languages.

I came to Duisburg because the German Academic Exchange Service told me: Go to Ulrich Ammon, he is the best sociolinguist. I went to the DAAD office in Rio de Janeiro and they advised me to go to the University of Duisburg-Essen. In Essen, I was also impressed by the fact that they offered a course in ‘German as a Foreign Language’.

Juliana Fischer:

Your time at the University of Duisburg-Essen had a lasting impact on you. What did you take away from Germany?

Prof. Dr. Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

The seminar formats were particularly influential. In Germany, I experienced an intensive, discussion-oriented way of working, especially at Master's and doctoral level, in which students actively contribute their own research topics. This openness was new to me.

When I later coordinated a postgraduate programme myself, I deliberately adopted this model because, in my view, it offers great added value for students.

Juliana Fischer:

Is there also a difference between the relationship between students and teachers in Germany and Brazil?

Prof. Dr. Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

Yes, definitely. In Germany, supervision is more formalised, for example through fixed office hours. In Brazil, contact is often more informal – today, for example, via WhatsApp. Both models have their advantages and disadvantages.

What I have adopted from Germany is the greater emphasis on independence and critical discussion in teaching.

Juliana Fischer:

You yourself recently took an important step in your career.

Prof. Dr. Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

Yes, on 14 October this year, I was appointed professor. At Brazilian federal universities, this is a very long process – in my case, it took 16 years of intensive teaching, research and administrative work. For me personally, this was a significant milestone.

Juliana Fischer:

The UFF is now considered to be very internationally oriented. Is this the result of a change?

Prof. Dr. Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

Definitely. We have a strong International Office that reports directly to the Rector's Office and supports international students, researchers and binational cotutelle doctorates.

Another new feature is our minor programme: students can take courses in other disciplines in addition to their major – in English, French or Spanish. This has significantly increased the international visibility of the UFF.

Prof. Karen Shire:

Brazil is a very good destination for foreign students, isn't it? Would you say to our students from Duisburg-Essen: " Come to Brazil, come to UFF!"

Prof. Dr. Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

Yes, definitely. Brazil has become much more open in recent years. Programmes such as CAPES Global specifically promote internationalisation. International students will find a wide range of academic programmes and close support here.

Juliana Fischer:

What advice would you give to German students who are considering studying in Brazil?

Prof. Dr. Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

I would say: Be brave. UFF is located in Niterói, a very liveable city by the sea, very close to Rio de Janeiro. We are particularly strong in artificial intelligence, environmental and climate research, chemistry, physics, engineering and innovation.

Many students find the combination of science, social responsibility and entrepreneurial thinking particularly appealing.

Juliana Fischer:

And why should Brazilian students go to Germany?

Prof. Dr. Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

Germany is particularly attractive in the fields of engineering, chemistry, mathematics, philosophy and linguistics. Many of our students are interested in joint master's or doctoral programmes with German universities. The excellent research infrastructure and the close links between science and industry are major advantages.

Juliana Fischer:

The University Alliance Ruhr recently opened a liaison office in São Paulo. How important is this for cooperation?

Prof. Dr. Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

It creates new opportunities for direct exchange and long-term cooperation. A local office makes contact much easier – for students, researchers and university management alike. I am convinced that cooperation between Brazil and the universities of the UA Ruhr will continue to gain momentum.

Juliana Fischer:

What can universities in Germany and Brazil learn from each other?

Prof. Dr. Mônica Maria Guimarães Savedra:

I see great potential in mutual learning. Our interests and strengths complement each other in many ways. If we combine them in a targeted manner, very sustainable and effective cooperation can emerge.