Science without Borders (SwB) is a Brazilian Government scholarship programme which aims to send 101,000 Brazilian students on undergraduate sandwich courses, PhD sandwich courses and full PhDs to study in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and creative industries at top universities around the world. The priority areas of the Science without Borders Programme include the health and biomedical sciences.

These are the undergraduate students currently studying at NIHES-Erasmus MC with a Science without Borders scholarship:

Nicole Machado Utpott

First-year statistics student at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Statistics students in Brazil have few opportunities to gain practical experience, especially when it comes to biostatistics, and Nicole wants to improve her knowledge. The training course at Erasmus MC could not have come at a better time for Nicole, who is interested in becoming a biostatistician.

Mateus Justi Luvizotto

Fifth-year medical student at the Catholic University of Paraná. Mateus worked on a project studying the cardiovascular complications of kidney disease and is looking forward to learning more about epidemiology and biostatistics. The 25-year-old hopes that his visit to Rotterdam will equip him with broader knowledge and possibly provide him with contacts for his post-graduate career, during which he would like to combine teaching with scientific research.

Eduardo Martelli Moreira

Fifth-year medical student at the Catholic University of Paraná. Eduardo is currently finishing off a research project studying intra-abdominal hypertension and its effects on the kidney. Eduardo is eager to extend this international experience during his visit to the Netherlands. He hopes to learn more about the European approach to the research and care of critically ill patients.

Dominique dos Santos Morais Pordeus

Third-year medical student at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Dominique is attracted to the progressive and tolerant ideals of the Netherlands and chose Erasmus MC for its international profile and worldwide recognition. For her, Erasmus MC provides a perfect match of education and research. A student with a wide range of interests, Dominique is keen to participate in research in fields such as ageing, neuroscience, oncology and chronic pain.

Guilherme Apgáua Figueiredo Godoy

Fifth-year medical student at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Guilherme became aware of the programme during an inspiring conversation with the director of the university hospital and a staff member of the medical faculty’s international relations office. Guilherme feels he would like to see more in the way of research. The programme at Erasmus MC will not only help fill this gap but also feed his interest in evidence-based medicine.

Gustavo de Castro Lima

Fourth-year medical student at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. His interest in international studies goes beyond a pursuit for language proficiency and cultural immersion however. Through voluntary work in the community, the 21-year-old has become very aware of the importance of public health. Gustavo is honoured to be actively representing his country at an accredited university in the Netherlands. He says there are aspects that the two countries can learn from each other, particularly with regard to public health.

The Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Nuffic have signed a Cooperative agreement this January. The Science without Borders Holland programme will soon launch a first call for applications at PhD and post-doc level. The call will remain open until 2015 and the scholarship will be awarded at several moments per year.

Professor Albert Hofman, NIHES Science Director:

“If you share our dedication to health and wish to join the international community of health scientists, you’re welcome! NIHES will give you a wonderful opportunity to make a contribution to outstanding research.”