By Andi Anderson
Purdue University is strengthening its global research efforts through the International Research Academy, a program led by the Office of International Programs in Agriculture (IPIA). The initiative is designed to help faculty members develop the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to participate in international research and collaboration.
The yearlong program primarily supports faculty with limited international experience. Through mentorship, training sessions, and hands-on learning opportunities, participants gain a better understanding of global research systems and professional collaboration. The academy also helps faculty expand their networks and prepare for research projects that address agricultural challenges worldwide.
“The International Research Academy reflects our continued investment in global engagement,” said Gerald Shively, Associate Dean and Director of IPIA. “By supporting faculty early in their careers, we are ensuring the college’s long-term capacity to conduct research at the highest levels, with top scientists around the world.”
The program combines group learning activities with one-on-one mentoring from experienced faculty members. Participants receive guidance on building international partnerships, planning global research activities, identifying funding opportunities, and developing research proposals. The program concludes with the presentation of research concept notes that are reviewed by mentors and fellow participants.
This year’s academy included faculty members from several departments: Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira, Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences; Siddhartho “Sidd” Paul, Assistant Professor of Agronomy; Thaisa Cantu-Jungles, Research Assistant Professor of Food Science; and Fernanda da Cunha, Research Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
“The program gave me a broader understanding of Purdue’s international research portfolio and the support available through IPIA and Purdue Global Partnerships and Programs,” said Siddhartho “Sidd” Paul, Assistant Professor of Agronomy. “As a faculty member interested in research that addresses critical challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability, the academy offered valuable insight into how to build meaningful global partnerships. The delegation trip to Brazil was especially impactful, allowing me to connect with promising collaborators and begin developing research proposals that could support future partnerships.”
A key feature of the academy is international travel. Each cohort visits research institutions abroad to learn about agricultural systems, exchange ideas, and identify future collaboration opportunities. This year, participants traveled to Brazil and visited four leading agricultural research universities, including the Federal University of Viçosa, State University of Campinas, Federal University of San Carlos, and the University of Sao Paulo campus at Piracicaba.
“Participating in the International Research Academy has given me a clearer and more ambitious vision for my own research agenda,” said Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira, Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences. “It challenged me to think about my work within a global context. My goal is to build lasting research partnerships that address shared agricultural challenges and generate knowledge that benefits both international communities and producers here in Indiana.”
Through mentorship, global exposure, and collaboration opportunities, the International Research Academy is helping prepare faculty to tackle agricultural challenges and contribute to research solutions on a global scale.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
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