In December 2024, Professor and Assistant Dean for Research Xuehong Zhang from the Yale School of Nursing (YSN) embarked on a pivotal trip to Brazil to strengthen academic and research collaborations with the University of São Paulo (USP). Professor Zhang also had an opportunity to visit other leading nursing and public health institutions and met with Yale alumni through an event hosted by the President of the Yale Club of Brazil, Ya Ping Chang ’91. This visit exemplifies YSN’s ongoing commitment to fostering global partnerships, advancing multidisciplinary research, and promoting educational exchange.
Yale University has long maintained strong collaborations with Brazilian institutions, especially with the University of São Paulo. The ongoing partnership was bolstered by Professor Zhang’s Lemann Brazil Research Fund award in 2022. Dr. Zhang’s participation in the project, “Assessing the Prospective Role of Ultra-Processed Foods on Adiposity-Related Outcomes in Brazil,” underscores the vital role of YSN faculty in global health research. This initiative, developed in collaboration with USP and other Brazilian scholars, highlights the importance of addressing pressing public health challenges such as nutrition and chronic disease prevention through international partnerships.
Advancing New Initiatives
Key discussions during the visit by Professor Zhang focused on developing exchange programs for students, faculty, and postdoctoral researchers while pursuing joint research initiatives and funding opportunities. These programs aim to provide immersive experiences in global healthcare delivery and address critical issues such as healthcare disparities, nursing leadership, and education.
Professor Zhang also sees opportunities for future research collaborations, emphasizing interdisciplinary team science and collaborative grant applications. There are already ongoing discussions happening around a few funding opportunities for joint contributions. The exchange of expertise and resources is expected to amplify the impact of nursing science in improving healthcare outcomes for diverse populations worldwide.
Next Steps
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of these efforts, Professor Zhang emphasized a team-based approach and involved YSN leaders such as Dr. Asia Neupane, Dr. Xiaomei Cong, YSN Dean Azita Emami, and Deputy Dean Tatiana Sadak, alongside other interested collaborators. There are plans to establish a structured student and faculty exchange program between YSN and USP that promote reciprocal learning beginning in fall 2025. The Office of Global Affairs & Planetary Health (OGAPH) at YSN is in discussions with USP leadership on facilitating collaborative research projects that produce co-authored publications and grant proposals and to leverage funding opportunities to scale impactful initiatives.
A Global Vision for Nursing Education
Through fostering multidisciplinary collaborations and aligning with global health priorities, this partnership between Yale and USP will help shape the future of nursing education and practice. Together, we aim to address pressing healthcare challenges, including workforce development, equitable access to care, and innovative solutions to improve health outcomes across diverse contexts.
To learn more about Yale and Brazil, visit the Yale and the World website.