IFSP research project on Black territories approved for Brazil-South Africa cooperation

The “Futuros Ubuntu” research project, which examines connections between ancestry, memory, ecological knowledge, and cognitive justice in Black territories of Brazil and South Africa, has been approved for international scientific cooperation. Coordinated by Professor Giselly Barros from the Federal Institute of São Paulo (IFSP), the initiative is a joint effort between the São Paulo Research Foundation (Fapesp) and South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF).

The project involves a partnership with Professor Nthabiseng Motsemme from the University of Johannesburg and will receive approximately R$ 1.1 million in funding over three years. The research will include field studies in São Paulo’s Brasilândia neighborhood, quilombola communities in Vale do Ribeira, and South African townships and traditional communities.

Collaborating institutions include Unifesp, Unila, UFBA, and USP. The funding will support field research, international exchanges, academic training, and the production of scientific and educational materials. This initiative builds upon previous academic cooperation, such as a 2024 exchange program involving Mozambique.