Research, innovation, and development
represent several of the elements that are
crucial to the mission of the university within
this knowledge-based society. For this
reason, the Pontifícia Universidade Católica
do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) presents its
2013 Catalog of Research in alignment with
the guidelines of the Ministry of Education
(MEC) and the Ministry of Science,
Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) with a
particular focus on its National Strategy for
Science, Technology and Innovation (ENCTI)
for 2012-2015.
This catalog supports the thesis that academia is the proper environment for scientific investigation, which, in turn, is one of the structuring axes for the growth of a country. Brazil has been experiencing a new and rewarding era of socioeconomic dynamism. It is worth noting that several of its universities and scientific research institutions are significant exporters of knowledge and have become internationally renowned for their quality.
PUCRS, in keeping with the interests and needs of society and with the heightened competence of its researchers, has shown impressive results with regard to the generation and advancement of new knowledge. These relevant contributions further the effort toward establishing policies for education, science, and technology and encourage regional and national development.
The 24 Stricto Sensu Graduate Programs comprise the main creators of this laborious and diversified academic output; these programs are always attentive to the collective demands and needs, as well as to the challenges of sustainability in the economic, human, and environmental spheres.
I express my deepest appreciation to all of those who, either directly or indirectly, have participated with dedication and commitment in this edition, which reflects the heightened esteem in which the research at PUCRS is held.