Coppe welcomes new students and reinforces its strategic role in innovation and development
Planeta COPPE / Institutional News / News
Date: 18/03/2025

Coppe/UFRJ officially initiated its academic year of 2025 with a reception ceremony for the new students of its 13 graduate academic programs, which was carried out yesterday, March 17th. More than a traditional reception, the event reinforced the institution’s commitment with academic excellence, innovative research and social impact, pillars which consolidate Coppe as a national and international engineering reference.
During an interactive survey carried out at the ceremony, 60% of the new students pointed out Coppe’s reputation and curriculum value as determining factors for their choice. In addition, the new students’ motivations align with their strategic career goals: 39% seek excellent qualifications for the job market, while 30% are interested in pursuing an academic career.

The event was led by Coppe’s Director for Academic Affairs, Professor Jean-David Caprace, who presented the structure of the institution and highlighted the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship. He emphasized Coppe’s multidisciplinary nature, mentioning strategic areas such as Energy, Smart Cities, Artificial Intelligence and Health Engineering. Coppe’s Director, Professor Suzana Kahn, added that she encouraged interaction between different programs and research groups, emphasizing that engineering is increasingly transversal and plays an essential role in the technological development of Rio de Janeiro.
Internationalization and Science Outreach were also key points of the ceremony. International advisor Jorge Alison highlighted the 63 academic agreements in force, which enable exchanges and double degrees, expanding students’ opportunities in the global scenario. Outreach Director, Cleide Lima, reinforced the importance of the connection between scientific production and society, making research more relevant and applicable.

Another key aspect addressed at the event was encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. Sabrina Dias, from Inova Coppe-EQ, and Marcos Chaves, from Coppe’s Business Incubator, highlighted the institution’s innovation ecosystem and the support it offers for the development of market-oriented technologies, including patents and the creation of startups.
In addition to academic and professional support, Coppe also cares about the well-being of its students. The Acolhe Coppe Psychosocial Center, presented by psychologist Josiane Barros, offers emotional support and individualized care. The UFRJ Postgraduate Association (APG), represented by Gabriel Batista, highlighted recent achievements in student benefits, such as increased access to university restaurants.

The academic year’s opening program will be complemented by the Open Inaugural Lecture on March 20th, which will be given by Mayor Eduardo Paes. Choosing Paes as the speaker reflects Coppe’s connection with Rio de Janeiro’s urban and technological challenges, reinforcing its leading role in building solutions for the future.
More than just the beginning of the semester, the reception for students reaffirmed Coppe’s strategic role in training qualified professionals, producing knowledge and transforming society through science and innovation.