International Research Academy prepares faculty for global research engagement
The International Research Academy, a program led by Purdue’s Office of International Programs in Agriculture (IPIA), is strengthening the College of Agriculture’s capacity to conduct global research by preparing faculty to engage in impactful international work.
Designed for faculty members with limited prior international experience, the yearlong program provides structured mentorship, training and exposure to global research opportunities. The goal is to expand professional networks, increase understanding of international collaboration and build long-term capacity for globally engaged research.
“The International Research Academy reflects our continued investment in global engagement,” said Gerald Shively, associate dean and director of IPIA. “By supporting faculty early in their careers, we are ensuring the college’s long-term capacity to conduct research at the highest levels, with top scientists around the world.”
IRA cohort sits around table during visit to Brazil. From L to R: Sylvie Brouder, Gerald Shively, Siddhartho Paul, Fernanda da Cunha, Thaisa Cantu-Jungles and Carole Braund. The program combines group sessions with one-on-one mentoring from experienced faculty across the college. Sessions focus on key aspects of international research, including:
- Identifying and building global partnerships
- Planning international travel and logistics
- Navigating funding opportunities and proposal development
- Understanding different models of international engagement
It culminates in the development and presentation of concept notes, with feedback from mentors and peers.
As in in the past, this year the academy brought together faculty from multiple departments:
- Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira, assistant professor of animal sciences
- Siddhartho “Sidd” Paul, assistant professor of agronomy
- Thaisa Cantu-Jungles, research assistant professor of food science
- Fernanda da Cunha, research assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering
“The program gave me a broader understanding of Purdue’s international research portfolio and the support available through IPIA and Purdue Global Partnerships and Programs,” said Paul. “As a faculty member interested in research that addresses critical challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability, the academy offered valuable insight into how to build meaningful global partnerships. The delegation trip to Brazil was especially impactful, allowing me to connect with promising collaborators and begin developing research proposals that could support future partnerships.”
Each cohort travels internationally to connect with researchers and institutions abroad, gaining firsthand insight into global agricultural systems and innovations and identifying opportunities for research collaboration.
Past cohorts have visited European institutions to identify potential research partnerships and develop greater understanding of research practices in those settings. This year’s trip to Brazil including visiting four top universities conducting agricultural research: Federal University of Viçosa, State University of Campinas, Federal University of San Carlos and the University of Sao Paulo campus at Piracicaba.
"Participating in the International Research Academy has given me a clearer and more ambitious vision for my own research agenda,” said de Oliveira. “It challenged me to think about my work within a global context. My goal is to build lasting research partnerships that address shared agricultural challenges and generate knowledge that benefits both international communities and producers here in Indiana.”
Advancing Purdue’s global mission
The International Research Academy builds on Purdue’s College of Agriculture’s long-standing commitment to international engagement while delivering tangible benefits at home. By equipping faculty with the tools, networks and confidence to pursue global research, the program helps bring knowledge, funding and partnerships back to Indiana and the United States.
“This program is designed to launch new research and create momentum,” Gerald Shively said. “International engagement has long been a priority in the College of Agriculture, and the academy helps position our faculty to develop successful and impactful research partnerships that deliver benefits both abroad and here at home.”
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