Federal University of Rio de Janeiro facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Other names	UFRJ
Motto	A Universidade do Brasil
Motto in English	"The University of Brazil"
Type	Public research university
Established	December 16, 1792 (232 years) (Royal Academy) September 7, 1920 (104 years) (University)
Budget	R$3.8 billion (2020)
Rector	Roberto de Andrade Medronho
Academic staff	4,218 (2021)
Administrative staff	9,153 (2021)
Students	69,200 (2021)
Undergraduates	53,500 (2021)
Postgraduates	15,700 (2021)
Location	Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil 22°51′45″S 43°13′26″W / 22.86250°S 43.22389°W / -22.86250; -43.22389
Campus	University town 2,338 acres (946 ha) (Main campus) 3 municipalities Rio de Janeiro Duque de Caxias Macaé
Colors	Yellow and White
Mascot	Minerva

The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), also known as University of Brazil, is a large public research university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the biggest federal university in the country. UFRJ is known as one of Brazil's best places for teaching and research.

This university is Brazil's first official higher education institution. It has been open since 1792. That's when the "Royal Academy of Artillery, Fortification and Design" was founded. This academy was the start of the university's current Polytechnic School. The university officially became a college system in 1920.

UFRJ offers many courses, including 157 for undergraduate students and 580 for postgraduate students. It also runs seven museums, like the famous National Museum of Brazil. Plus, it has nine hospitals, hundreds of labs, and 43 libraries. The university's history is deeply connected to Brazil's goal of becoming a modern and fair society.

The main parts of the university are in Rio de Janeiro. There are also smaller campuses in ten other cities. Its main locations are the old "Praia Vermelha" (Red Beach) campus and the newer "Cidade Universitária" (University Town). The University Town has the "Technology Park of Rio," which helps develop science and technology.

Many famous Brazilians studied at UFRJ. These include architects, writers, politicians, and doctors. Some well-known alumni are the architect Oscar Niemeyer and the writer Clarice Lispector.

History of UFRJ

How the University Started

University Palace in the 19th century, when it was a hospice. The building was given to the University of Brazil in 1949.

The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro comes directly from Brazil's first higher education courses. It was officially created on September 7, 1920, by President Epitácio Pessoa. At first, it was called the "University of Rio de Janeiro." But its history goes back much further, linked to Brazil's own growth.

When it first started, the university included three main schools:

• The "Polytechnic School," founded in 1792.
• The "National College of Medicine," founded in 1808.
• The "National College of Law," formed in 1891.

1928 diploma from the University of Rio de Janeiro.

Over time, more schools joined, like the "National School of Fine Arts." UFRJ played a key role in setting up higher education in Brazil. Many other Brazilian universities were later modeled after UFRJ's pioneering courses.

Changes Over Time

University Palace, a neoclassical building finished in 1842. The statue represents charity.

In 1937, the university's name changed to "University of Brazil." This change happened during a big education reform. The government wanted to make sure all universities met a certain standard. This idea was inspired by the French way of organizing universities.

In the early 1950s, the university started focusing more on research. This led to new research institutes and full-time professors. The university also began working with national and international groups to get funding for research.

By 1958, the university needed major changes to improve how it worked. These changes aimed to get professors and students more involved. They also wanted to use public money more wisely. The plans for these reforms were widely accepted and set a new standard for universities across Brazil.

In 1965, the university gained full control over its money, teaching, and academic decisions. This is called "autarchy" in Brazil. It also got its current name, "Federal University of Rio de Janeiro." This name follows the standard for federal universities in Brazil.

UFRJ Today

Ponte do Saber ("Knowledge Bridge") is a main exit from the campus on Ilha do Fundão ("Backyard Island").

UFRJ welcomes international students and researchers. It also allows its staff to work in other institutions around the world. The university has many international partnerships. These partnerships help bring new ideas while still respecting the university's traditions.

The university's mascot is Minerva, a Roman goddess. She represents arts, knowledge, and intelligence. You can see many statues of Minerva around the university. In 2000, the university asked to change its name back to "University of Brazil." This was because the name was changed during a military government. The request was approved, so both names are correct.

UFRJ has a program that offers full-time education to people who might not be able to afford it otherwise. It also helps public health in Rio de Janeiro with its nine hospitals. These hospitals provide over a thousand beds and work closely with the state's health system. In 2010, the university received a top rating from the Ministry of Education. This shows its strong focus on research. As one famous scientist said, "In a university, one teaches because one researches."

How UFRJ is Organized

The Rectory building, designed by Jorge Machado Moreira and finished in 1957. Its gardens were designed by Roberto Burle Marx.

The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro is a public institution. It is connected to the Ministry of Education (MEC). The university is managed by several important councils:

• The "University Council" makes the biggest decisions.
• The "Curators Council" handles money and budgets.
• The "Undergraduate Council" manages admissions and courses for bachelor's degrees.
• The "Graduate Council" oversees research and postgraduate courses.

The university also has a vice-rector and six other pro-rectors. The rectors are chosen by the Ministry of Education from a list of three candidates. These candidates are picked through a general election every four years. Usually, the Ministry chooses the candidate with the most votes.

"Salão Dourado"

"Capela de São Pedro de Alcântara"

The University Palace

There are also eleven superintendencies that help run the university. These cover areas like undergraduate studies, research, finances, human resources, and student policies.

Famous Leaders

Night view of the University City: highlighted Saber bridge supported by 21 wires tied to a pylon.

Many important people have been rectors (leaders) of UFRJ. Some of them include:

• Benjamin Franklin Ramiz Galvão, the first rector.
• Pedro Calmon, a former Minister of Education.
• Carlos Lessa, a well-known economist.

Facts and Figures

In 2013, UFRJ had 52 main units and departments. These were linked to six academic centers. The university had over 48,000 undergraduate students and more than 7,000 online students. Each year, about 5,300 students graduate.

For postgraduate studies, there were over 5,300 master's students and over 5,500 doctorate candidates. Out of its 3,821 professors, most had a doctorate degree. The university's high school unit also had 760 students.

The main buildings of UFRJ are in "Cidade Universitária" (College City). This area covers 5.2 million square meters on "Ilha do Fundão" (Backward Island). The "Praia Vermelha" (Red Beach) campus is also important, with many units. Other locations include institutes in downtown Rio and the National Museum. UFRJ also has campuses in Macaé and Duque de Caxias.

The National Museum is among the most important architectural heritages not only of the university, but of Brazilian society as a whole

University Structure

Block A of the Center of Technology houses the Institute of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics.

The university's modern City Hall is home to the central office, the College of Fine Arts, and the College of Architecture and Urbanism.

Garden in front of the Center of Technology

Students at the Center of Technology's Library

UFRJ is divided into six main university centers. It also has a Technical Department, a Science and Culture Forum, and the University City Hall. Each center has many units and departments. These are responsible for teaching, research, and outreach in their specific areas.

University Centers

• Center of Health Sciences (CCS): This is the largest center. It focuses on biosciences, with ten units and fourteen departments. These include hospitals, schools, and institutes.
• Center of Technology (CT): The second largest center. It manages two engineering schools and two high-tech research institutes. It also has business incubators.
• Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CCMN): This center grew from the National School of Philosophy. It has five institutes and an observatory. The Valongo Observatory is the only federal institution in Brazil to offer an undergraduate course in Astronomy.
• Center of Law and Economic Sciences (CCJE): This center deals with applied social sciences. These include administration, economics, law, and urban planning.
• Center of Philosophy and Human Sciences (CFHC): This center focuses on social sciences and how society is formed. It has six units and two departments.
• Center of Literature and Arts (CLA): Founded in 1967, this center includes schools and colleges for arts, language, and architecture.
• COPPEAD Graduate School of Business: This business school is the only one linked to a Brazilian public university with international certification. It is also listed among the top 100 in the world by the Financial Times.

Libraries and Museums

The National Museum, built from the Brazilian Imperial Family's old residence in "Paço de São Cristóvão" (Palace of São Cristóvão).

UFRJ's libraries and museums hold important historical documents. They are a key resource for researchers in Brazil. Since 1983, the university has had a System of Libraries and Information (SiBI). This system gives students and staff easy access to all 43 libraries. The Minerva Base website also allows public digital access to the university's library collection.

One of the most important museums is the National Museum. It is Latin America's largest natural history and anthropology museum. It is also Brazil's oldest scientific institution. The museum is in the old palace of the Brazilian Imperial Family. It was founded in 1818 and joined the university in 1946. Even Emperor Dom Pedro II helped build its collection with items like Egyptian art and fossils.

In Botafogo, the university also runs the "Casa da Ciência" (House of Science). This science and technology center opened in 1995. It explores science through theater, music, and videos. It offers workshops and exhibits for students and the public.

Access to the Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital (HUCFF) is made through the Red Line of João Goulard Freeway, which passes through the northern area of UFRJ's College City (main campus).

Health Services

The university has a network of nine hospitals and medical centers. These units provide many health services each year. They handle over 566,000 treatments, 8,200 surgeries, and 18,500 hospitalizations annually.

• Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital (HUCFF): This is UFRJ's main medical hospital. It is known for complex surgical procedures.
• São Francisco de Assis Institute of Health (HESFA): This institute focuses on long-term patient care.
• Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB): A leading center in Latin America for research and teaching in psychiatry and mental health.
• Martagão Gesteira Institute of Childcare and Pediatrics (IPPMG): This institute is recognized nationwide for childcare. It does research and training in pediatrics.
• Institute of Chest Diseases (IDT): This institute provides care and research for respiratory illnesses.
• Deolindo Couto Institute of Neurology (INDC): Located at Praia Vermelha, it focuses on neurology and neurosurgery.
• Institute of Gynecology (IG): Known for providing special radio-therapy services for gynecology issues.
• Edson Saad Institute of Heart (ICES): Founded in 2003, it researches cardiology and vascular surgery.
• Maternity School (ME): Founded in 1904, it helps pregnant women and newborns. It was a pioneer in using ultrasonography in Brazil.

The Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital (HUCFF) at College City, seen from Nossa Senhora da Penha Church: at the center, the hospital's main building and, in the background, the famous Guanabara Bay.

Campuses of UFRJ

Rio de Janeiro Campuses

The Palácio Universitário, a 19th-century neoclassical building that serves as campus of the UFRJ.

The main campus of UFRJ is College City. It is located on Ilha do Fundão (Backyard Island) in northern Rio de Janeiro. This island was created artificially in 1950 by joining several smaller islands. Academic activities started here in 1970. The campus architecture was influenced by modernism.

The College City campus has student housing, three university restaurants, and a sports center. It also has a transport system with free bus lines for students. These buses connect the campus to other parts of Rio and nearby cities.

The Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) campus is in Urca, southern Rio. It mainly focuses on human sciences. Its most famous building is the University Palace. This neoclassical building was built between 1842 and 1852. It was first used as a hospice. In 1949, it was given to the University of Brazil.

Building of both the Institute of Philosophy and Social Sciences and the Institute of History at "Largo de São Francisco de Paula.

In downtown Rio de Janeiro, there are several other university units:

• The College of Law Studies.
• The School of Music.
• The Valongo Observatory.
• The Institute of Philosophy and Social Sciences and the Institute of History.

There are plans to move most academic activities from Praia Vermelha and other scattered units to College City. This would centralize all university activities on Ilha do Fundão. This plan has caused debate due to the long distances and traffic in Rio. To help with traffic, the "Ponte do Saber" (Knowledge Bridge) was built in 2012. It helps 25,000 vehicles daily.

Duque de Caxias Campus

UFRJ started activities in Xerém, Duque de Caxias, in 2008. This area has a lot of industry and technology. The university works with Inmetro (National Institute of Metrics) and the local government. The Xerém campus offers courses in biophysics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Students can use Inmetro's labs. In 2012, Inmetro gave its Xerém facilities to UFRJ, making it a full campus.

Macaé Campus

University complex in Macaé, at northern Rio de Janeiro (state).

UFRJ has been active in Macaé since the 1980s. In 1994, it started the Macaé Nucleus for Ecological Researches (NUPEM). In 2012, the city donated land for a new university center. In 2006, UFRJ offered its first course outside Rio de Janeiro in Macaé.

In 2007, a full university complex opened in Macaé. It has buildings for undergraduate, postgraduate, and extension courses. The campus offers courses like biological sciences, chemistry, nursing, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, and nutrition. The main campus in Macaé was named after former rector Aloísio Teixeira.

Online Learning Centers

Map of the state of Rio de Janeiro highlighting the cities where UFRJ is active (in red).

UFRJ offers online courses through the CEDERJ consortium. This group includes UFRJ and other universities. These courses combine online learning with some in-person activities. UFRJ offers online teaching courses in biosciences, physics, and chemistry. Students get the same certificate as those who attend in person. Admission is through a special entrance exam.

UFRJ has online learning centers in many cities in Rio de Janeiro state. These include Angra dos Reis, Duque de Caxias, Itaperuna, Macaé, Nova Iguaçu, Paracambi, Piraí, Rio de Janeiro, São Gonçalo, Três Rios, and Volta Redonda.

Academics at UFRJ

Undergraduate Studies

UFRJ offers 179 undergraduate courses. These cover all areas of knowledge. Courses can be in the morning, afternoon, night, or all day. Each course is linked to an academic institution. Some courses, like nanotechnology, are offered by multiple institutions.

Postgraduate Studies

UFRJ offers 345 post-graduation courses. These include 167 specialization courses and 178 master's and doctorate degrees. Each course is linked to a specific academic institution. In 2010, many scholarship programs were available for postgraduate students.

Students at UFRJ

How to Get In

UFRJ's Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences houses the Coordination for Undergraduate Courses Admission.

To get into the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, students must pass very competitive entrance exams. These exams are held every year. Anyone who has finished high school can apply for undergraduate courses. It is also possible to transfer from another university.

Until the late 1980s, a single exam was used for admission. UFRJ later created its own exam. This exam had open-ended questions. It became known as one of Brazil's toughest admission exams.

Since 2012, UFRJ has used the "Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio" (High School National Exam, or ENEM) for admissions. This is a nationwide exam managed by the Ministry of Education. In 2011, UFRJ stopped using its own exam and made ENEM the only admission test. Student selection is now done through the "Sistema de Seleção Unificada" (Unified Selection System, or SiSU). UFRJ quickly became one of the most popular universities in this system.

The university also has policies to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Since 2010, 30% of all spots are reserved for these students. This often helps students from public schools whose families earn less money.

Famous Alumni

UFRJ has educated many bright minds in various fields. Here are some of its notable former students:

• Anthropologists: Eduardo Viveiros de Castro
• Architect: Oscar Niemeyer
• Artists: Ary Barroso, Vinícius de Moraes, Ivan Lins
• Doctors: Vital Brazil, Carlos Chagas, Oswaldo Cruz, Carlos Chagas Filho
• Economists: Carlos Lessa, Joaquim Levy
• Educator: Anísio Teixeira
• Engineers: Benjamin Constant, Maria das Graças Foster
• Journalists: Fátima Bernardes
• Mathematicians: Artur Avila, Jacob Palis
• Physicists: Marcelo Gleiser
• Politicians: Osvaldo Aranha, Carlos Lacerda
• Writers: Jorge Amado, Clarice Lispector

• Notable UFRJ Alumni
• 

  Jorge Amado, writer

• 

  Oswaldo Aranha, politician and diplomat

• 

  Artur Ávila, Fields Medal-winning mathematician

• 

  Vital Brazil, physician and scientist

• 

  Carlos Chagas, doctor, discoverer of Chagas disease

• 

  Oswaldo Cruz, physician and public health officer

• 

  Joaquim Levy, Finance Minister of Brazil

• 

  Ivan Lins, musician

• 

  Clarice Lispector, writer

• 

  Leandro Müller, writer and editor.

• 

  Oscar Niemeyer, architect

• 

  Jacob Palis, mathematician and professor

• 

  Vinícius de Moraes, writer and lyricist

Student Representation

Students at UFRJ are officially represented by the "Mário Prata Central Student Directory" (DCE). This group was founded in 1930. It was very important until it was shut down by the military government from 1964 to 1985. Many student leaders were harmed during this time. In the late 1970s, the DCE was allowed to reopen.

Building where the College of Medicine operated until 1973, at "Praia Vermelha" (Red Beach).

To the young students who, at dawn of September 23rd, 1968, in the National College of Medicine building, dared to resist the police forces of the military regime. The episode known as "Massacre da Praia Vermelha" is one of the most important events of the constant fight for academic autonomy. To them, our deepest admiration.

Besides the DCE, smaller student groups represent students for each course. For example, the Carlos Chagas Academic Center is for the College of Medicine.

A sad event called the "Red Beach Massacre" happened in 1968. Government forces entered the old College of Medicine building. They harmed students who were protesting against government actions. This event caused a lot of damage and showed the fight for academic freedom.

Rio Technology Park

Former president of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, ex-governor of Rio de Janeiro state Sérgio Cabral Filho, and mayor of Rio Eduardo Paes visiting the CENPES.

The Parque Tecnológico do Rio (Rio Technology Park) is also in College City. It is a hub for research in energy, oil, and gas. UFRJ is working with Petrobras to make a large oil research center here. This center will help develop new ways to extract oil from deep under the sea.

This park is seen as a "Silicon Valley" for Brazil. It has attracted a lot of investment. Key facilities in the park include:

• Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research Center (CENPES) (Petrobras): The largest oil research center in the southern hemisphere.
• Electric Energy Research Center (CEPEL): The largest research center for electric energy in the hemisphere.
• Mineral Technology Center (CETEM): Focuses on developing technology for minerals.
• General Electric Global Technological Center (GE): A major research center for General Electric.
• Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute of Post-Graduation and Research in Engineering (COPPE): Latin America's largest engineering research center. It has the world's largest and deepest oceanic tank for simulating sea conditions.

Many companies have research units in the park. These include L'Oréal, Siemens AG, and Halliburton. The park is growing, with plans for more research centers and businesses.

Special Projects

H2+2 project, a hybrid hydrogene bus with electric traction developed by the Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute of Post-Graduation and Research in Engineering (COPPE) and exhibited at Rio+20 conference.

UFRJ Newspaper

The "Jornal da UFRJ" (UFRJ Newspaper) is a monthly publication. It started in 2003. It covers academic news and university affairs. About 25,000 copies are printed and distributed across the campuses. It is also available online.

UFRJ Sea Project

The "UFRJ Mar" (UFRJ Sea) project works along Rio de Janeiro's coast. It covers many fields, from physical education to engineering and biology. This project has some of Brazil's most advanced labs for studying the ocean and coastal areas.

Getting to Know UFRJ

"Conhecendo a UFRJ" (Getting to Know UFRJ) is a yearly event. It lasts two days and takes place at College City. High school students can attend lectures about the university. They can also tour the campus and learn about student life. In 2010, about 14,000 students participated.

Wave Power Plant

The "Plant Waves" project was developed by COPPE. It created the Pecém Wave Power Plant. This is the first plant in Latin America that can generate electricity from sea waves. This technology is 100% Brazilian. It helps Brazil join a small group of countries that can use wave energy.

MagLev Cobra Train

The Maglev Cobra is a special levitation train. It was developed at UFRJ by COPPE and the Polytechnic School. Like German maglev trains, it floats above the tracks. This means it moves without friction with the ground. The Maglev Cobra is designed to be a clean, energy-efficient, and affordable public transport option for cities. It costs much less to build than a subway system. Its normal speed is 70 to 100 km/h, which is good for urban transport.

LabOceano Tank

LabOceano is a huge ocean tank. It can recreate marine environments and simulate deep-water conditions. This is very important for Brazil, as most of its oil is found deep in the ocean. The tank holds 23 million liters of water and is as tall as an eight-story building. Only two other facilities in the world are similar to this tank.

Important Institutions

• Law School
• Museu Nacional (National Museum)
• Casa da Ciência (House of Science)
• CAp UFRJ (Laboratory School)

University Palace gateway.

See also

In Spanish: Universidad Federal de Río de Janeiro para niños

• Brazil University Rankings
• Education in Brazil
• List of federal universities of Brazil
• Universities and Higher Education in Brazil