Subject
In 111 years existence, the teaching, research and extension actions at the Federal University of Lavras (Universidade Federal de Lavras - UFLA) have been founded in the agricultural sciences area. In 43 years existence of the graduate courses, almost 80% of the Academic Programs pursue their research on the research lines that have been consolidated in agricultural sciences. Thus, UFLA is internationally recognized as reference in scientific knowledge production in the different areas connected to food production from animal and vegetal origin, as well as its processing, storage and quality assurance and food security. One of the noteworthy highlights of UFLA’s research in agricultural sciences was the studies in soil sciences in the 1960’s, which enabled the agricultural exploration of the Cerrado soils. It wouldn’t be possible to Brazil to reach the production level of grains without the gain of productivity achieved in Cerrado soils in the last decades.
At present, agriculture and the agriculture-business are important segments of the Brazilian economy, having contributed in 2017 with 23,5% of the gross domestic product. Therefore, one of the challenges the generation of scientific knowledge through research at UFLA faces is food production and food security against the traditionalism, the continuous and necessary breakthroughs in the productive areas aforementioned. Moreover, Brazil is prominent in scientific production in agriculture sciences, being the 3rd country that provides published papers in this area. Despite this renowned position, the publishing in periodicals of high impact is still suboptimal and the international partnerships present great potential to strengthen us in this issue. Although UFLA has a respected tradition in Agricultural Sciences, an analysis of the
Institution of internationalization indicates that 70% of the scientific production (Web of Science), 69% of the scholarships of the Science without Borders Program for undergraduates, 70% of the doctoral studies in the sandwich modality, 60% of visiting professors, 85% of the approved research projects and 80% of the agreements, covenants of double degree or co-tutored thesis has had valuable participation of foreign partners that suit in Agricultural Sciences, the great area of knowledge. Based on the 2018 ranking Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), UFLA is among the 150 best institutions worldwide and the best 12 of the Latin America in agricultural sciences.
Also, UFLA stands in 8th position in Brazil by the IGC/MEC.