University of Arizona Partners with Inspirali, Brazil’s Leading Medical Education Network, for Public Health Education
Dr. Onicio Leal and Herbert Souza da Silva with the signed MOU in one of the campus buildings of Inspirali.
The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona has signed a new international academic partnership with Inspirali, Brazil’s largest medical education ecosystem, advancing global opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers.
Inspirali, which encompasses a network of 15 educational institutions, is known for its leadership in medical education innovation and international collaboration. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions establishes a framework for joint research, academic program development, Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses, and the co-hosting of global conferences, symposiums, and workshops.
“This agreement is an exciting step in building a global bridge between the University of Arizona and Brazil,” said Onicio Leal Neto, PhD, MPH, Assistant Research Professor at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. “It’s about creating pathways for meaningful collaboration that benefit our students, faculty, and the health of communities worldwide.”
Collaboration Highlights:
- Executive Program on AI for Public Health: online and in-person short courses on AI for Public Health with the opportunity for a 3-day experiential learning course on the University of Arizona campus.
- Joint Research: Faculty, graduate students, and researchers from both institutions will collaborate on research projects across shared areas of interest.
- Academic Programs and CME Courses: The partnership will develop joint academic initiatives and dual-certified CME courses, including specialized curricula in public health.
- International Conferences: Both institutions will co-host conferences, symposiums, and workshops to support the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
- Student Engagement: Starting this year, Inspirali students will participate in online seminars, with plans for an in-person Summer Course in 2026 focused on Artificial Intelligence for Health.
Leal Neto travelled to Brazil in June and met with Inspirali leadership and faculty to further define priority areas for collaboration and explore additional opportunities to expand the partnership.
“Artificial Intelligence is one of their primary areas of interest, but this visit helped us understand their broader academic goals and see where we can best align our expertise,” Leal Neto said.
The partnership also aligns with Inspirali’s broader internationalization strategy, which includes expanding collaborations with universities in Canada, Ecuador, and Peru. Through membership in FAUBAI—the Brazilian Association of International Education—Inspirali is actively strengthening global cooperation in higher education.
“International partnerships raise our institutional visibility to another level. Students and professors will have the opportunity to experience this multicultural experience, establishing strategic connections with global institutions and networks. This is just the beginning of our internationalization program; we have many plans planned for the coming years,” said Herbert Souza da Silva, National Leader of Internationalization and Academic Mobility at Inspirali.
As Inspirali continues to expand its international network, this partnership with the University of Arizona represents a meaningful step toward building a more connected, inclusive, and innovative global education landscape.