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Project

Crafting impactful narratives and outputs on climate and housing in Brazil

School: School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment

Objectives

This project aims to build research capacity among Brazilian early career researchers (ECRs) in the humanities and social sciences, with a focus on architecture and the built environment (BE), in response to climate and housing challenges. The objectives are to:

  • improve ECRs journal writing skills;
  • deepen ECRs understanding of the publishing process through a practical, realistic approach to
  • publishing in high-impact international journals;
  • provide mentorship in writing research papers and grant applications;
  • offer career development advice through a mentoring network;
  • foster long-term collaborations and knowledge exchange within Brazil and internationally.

Focusing on extreme climate events, the project promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to address knowledge gaps. Senior researchers in architecture, urbanism, civil engineering, housing, and construction will mentor ECRs to address climate-related challenges while considering stakeholders’ needs. This collaboration will improve career opportunities, broaden the international reach of Brazilian research, and strengthen its societal impact.

Research areas

Brazil's construction sector is vital for economic and social progress, but extreme climate events, such as flooding, create significant challenges for urban populations. Research areas to be addressed include:

  • BE preparedness and response to extreme climate events like flooding and housing needs
  • sustainable housing solutions for Brazil’s housing shortage of approximately 7 million units
  • resilient infrastructure for water and sewage
  • reducing environmental impacts from construction waste
  • promoting digital technology use in construction.

The project will be inclusive in the breadth of areas approached whilst ensuring maximum benefit is achieved for participants.

The importance of Brazilian research

Highlighting Brazilian research is crucial, as the country is central to global environmental health.

For instance, deforestation and its impact on carbon emissions make Brazil a focal point for discussions about climate resilience. Publications that promote Brazilian research can also shift global narratives and highlight how local knowledge and solutions from the Global South can inform improvement strategies globally.

Furthermore, there are skills gaps amongst Brazilian architecture and BE researchers, with a need to increase researchers’ ability to get published in high-ranking journals and to access international research funding. There is also a gender imbalance in the volume of publications by male and female researchers in the area. This project will help address these gaps.

Workshop

We are pleased to invite applications for a British Academy-funded international writing workshop from early career researchers (ECRs) based in Brazil working at the intersection of climate change, housing, architecture and the construction management. This initiative aims to strengthen academic writing skills, support international collaboration, and promote the global visibility of research led from Brazil.

21

Sep

Crafting impactful narratives and outputs on climate and housing in Brazil

Organising committee

Her research focuses on design management and BIM in healthcare and social housing. She has led international research projects, some with Brazilian partners, has 55 journal publications, acts as a reviewer for 15 journals. She funded the international group ‘Women in Architecture and Construction’, which will provide inputs to the project. ECRs will benefit from her experience as a female academic leader (past head of department and associate dean research) and from her experience in supporting academic career development.

Carlos Formoso is a world leading figure in Lean Construction and resilience. He is part of the Editorial Board of 10 journals, has extensive experience in publishing and has supported over 150 PGRs to completion. His extensive experience in international research and support to ECRs will be invaluable for the success of this project. He will act as mentor and support the organisation of physical activities in Porto Alegre, where he is based.

Dayana Costa is the Dean of Postgraduate studies, expert in digital technology and sustainable construction management. The workshop will benefit from Costa’s extensive organisational skills, built through the delivery of several international events, as well as from her female academic leadership experience. She will be a mentor and will support the organisation and dissemination of the workshop activities.

Mike Kagioglou is Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation. His research focuses on healthcare infrastructure and benefits realisation. He is Senior President of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), a major international organisation. The workshop will benefit from his experience in international research and networking, and in supporting the career development of several ECRs. He will support the workshop activities, mentor ECRs, and support a wide international dissemination of the project.

Aguinaldo dos Santos is a professor in the Department of Design, leading the Design & Sustainability Centre. He is an editorial board member for 3 journals, as well as an ad hoc reviewer for many journals. He will support the delivery of workshop activities, mentor ECRs, and support the dissemination of the project.

Monica Salgado is a professor of Architecture. Her research areas include design of sustainable and smart buildings and cities and digital technologies. She is a reviewer for 8 national and international journals, and a reviewer of research projects submitted to - CAPES, CNPq, FAPESP and FAPEMIG. The workshop will benefit from her extensive academic leadership skills, as well as from her female research experience. She will be a mentor and will support the delivery and dissemination of the project.