Eduardo Bustamante, an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago and Naiman Khan, an Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign traveled to Brazil in April to develop connections for collaboration in research on nutrition and health. They visited the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), learning about innovative public health, pediatric, and longitudinal cohort research conducted in the states of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul.
Bustamante and Khan discussed how innovative the longitudinal cohort research is at UFPel and believe there is no study quite like it in the manner in which researchers accompany the lives of the cohort members from birth well into adulthood. The UFPel birth cohort studies represent a unique and comprehensive approach to longitudinal research. By tracking individuals from birth into adulthood, researchers gather extensive data on biological indicators, genetic profiles, and behavioral development. This rich, multi-generational dataset provides an invaluable foundation for understanding long-term health outcomes and the social determinants that shape them. Compared to U.S.-based research, the depth, scale, and continuity of the cohort studies at UFPel offer a rare opportunity for meaningful comparative analysis across international contexts.
The visit to both UFPel and USP revealed substantial alignment between Brazilian and Illinois research priorities—particularly in public health, pediatric nutrition, and early-life interventions. The infrastructure and scientific rigor at these Brazilian institutions demonstrated clear potential for future collaboration, especially in areas that benefit from diverse, population-level data. While formal collaborations are just beginning, significant groundwork was laid during the visit. The conversations held and shared research interests identified during institutional meetings have already begun to shape the framework for future partnerships. Both scholars emphasized the importance of staying open to opportunities and approaching international engagement with a willingness to build organically over time. For researchers considering engagement through programs like Brasillinois, the experience illustrates how international site visits can catalyze enduring and impactful scientific collaboration.
