Brazilian Research and Studies Center
The Brazilian Studies and Research Center (BRaS) is a non-profit and independent network research center based in Würzburg, Germany. The BRaS produces and disseminates relevant social-science research with a focus on Brazil. The center’s core mission is to promote throughout the world scientific research on Brazil with a focus on its political, social, economic, and cultural development. Moreover, the BRaS are committed to the principle of science with and for society.

Pro-Trump mob against the US Capitol come as a blunt warning to Brazil under Bolsonaro
The ones who are alive witnessed history being made on 6th January 2021. On this day, one of the eldest and stable democracies in the world was shaken up to the core. The U.S. Capitol was viciously overrun by pro-Trump rioters who stopped the joint session of Congress that had taken place to count the votes of the 2020 election and officially declare who is going to be the next president of the United States of America. Chaos and a tragedy unfolded due to a violent mob’s invasion of the U.S. Congress, a symbol of the American democracy.

Introducing BRaS Blog Interviews – the door is open, come in!
BRaS Blog opens its doors to scholars and students. We want to listen to different voices, viewpoints. Also, diverse research methodologies and theoretical frameworks. From an excerpt of an ongoing project to comments on relevant current issues, we want to gather different ideas on the table and talk about them. And that was how BRaS Blog Interviews was born, and I am delighted to be the Editor. Our purpose is to develop our network by better understanding researches and researchers dedicated to shedding light on Brazil as a case study or from a comparative perspective.

Opportunities and scholarships
Academic staff
M.A. Anna Paula Bennech
DFG research fellow and Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at the University of Würzburg
M.A. Claudia Pires de Castro
Masters student in Political Science at the University of Vienna
M.A. Giovanna Imbernon
Ph.D. candidate in Cultural Studies at the University of Coimbra (CES/IIIUC)
Guilherme Souza
MSc Candidate in Environmental Risks and Human Security at the United Nations University and the University of Bonn.
M.A. Jayane Maia
GIGA Research Fellow and PhD candidate in Political Science at the University of Hamburg
M.A. Lucas Thixbai Fraga
Ph.D. Candidate in Public Policy at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
M.A. Matheus Jones Zago
DFG research fellow and Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at University of Würzburg
M.A. Matheus Lucas Hebling
Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
M.A. Thaís Cavalcante Martins
Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)
Dr. Vinício Carrilho Martinez
Associate professor at the department of Education of UFSCar
M.A. Luíza Cerioli
Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at the Philipps University of Marburg
M.A. Luisa Turbino Torres
Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware, U.S.A
Our partners
Our journal
Research groups
This research group investigates various forms of social and political attitudes and political dynamics in Brazil. It deals with the impact of social and institutional change, at the national and local levels, on the political regime, the processes of political participation and accountability, the electoral and party systems, the interplay between elites and society, and on the public policymaking. Its research agenda also includes the determinants of political support and behavior, the consequences of informal practices, such as clientelism and corruption, on the rule of law, the role of new media technologies on politics, the process of democratization and measures of transitional justice, and the relationship between democracy, citizenship, and violence, with an emphasis on the role played by the civil society.
This research group examines the mechanisms and interventions that lead (or not) to greater economic growth, focusing on three key topics: i) the impacts of welfare policies on economic growth, inclusiveness, and sustainability; ii) the relationships between labour, and both productive system and social-political systems; and iii) the effects of international cooperation and global socio-economic transitions on growth and structural change in Brazil. By focusing on the exchange between economy, society, and labour, it addresses the conditions by which individuals can participate amply in economic and social life, as well as the changes in social and labour relations thanks to the capitalization of the economy. Its research agenda also covers how global challenges such as climate change, and attempts at promoting global governance impact on the Brazilian economic growth.
This research group studies identities and social differences, particularly the formation of collective identities and the process of inclusiveness in Brazilian society. Reflections on racial, gender and ethnic inequalities based on the dialogue between political and social theories are welcomed, as well as studies on the production and diffusion of collective memory and values, and their relationship with power and culture. It also encompasses studies on religiousness, nationalism, ideologies, and the applicability of human rights to minority or marginalized groups. Finally, it addresses the connections between ideas, discourses, and agency, seeking to grasp how significant ideas and discourses arise and spread, which actors play a role in this process, and how the state and non-state actors take these ideas.
This research group focuses on discussions about ontology, epistemology, teaching and research, and their different methods, and how they are used in Brazilian studies. Moreover, it seeks to analyze the processes of production and circulation of different forms of knowledge (scientific, indigenous, empirical, theoretical) and their effects on cultural and social development. It also investigates relations between theoretical and methodological schemes and the repercussions of epistemological frameworks on the ways of thinking the social sciences. It connects the construction of analytical and interpretative models with approaches such as modernity, post-modernity, globalization, and post-colonialism. Its research agenda also entails reflections of conceptual vocabularies and logical-discursive formations, including the cognitive and social aspects of human language
This research group aims to discuss new trends in educational, scientific, and technology policies, including their impacts on the national development process. It discusses the participation of various social actors in the elaboration of these policies: the State, the productive sector, and the scientific community. It also investigates the conditions and new practices for the production of scientific and technological knowledge, considering the context of globalization, the democratization of society, the center-periphery relations, as well as their impacts on Brazilian society. Its research agenda also comprise emerging educational issues such as the diversification and evolution of higher education over time, institutional assessment, and the training of professional and scientific staff.
Brazilian Research and Studies Center Membership
Complete the information below to become a member of the Brazilian Research and Studies Center. Members have the right to participate effectively in the discussion and deliberation of matters, in addition to voting and being voted at any general meeting. Members will also receive promotional discounts at events.
For more information, please contact us by e-mail. brazilianresearchandstudies@gmail.com
Social Media Intern
The Brazilian Studies and Research Center’s (BRaS) core mission is to produce and diffuse social science transdisciplinary research on Brazil. Moreover, to provide researchers and civil society an easy-access platform to find and publish high-quality research. BRaS advocates for independent scientific research and knowledge exchange.
Do you want to improve BRaS’ presence on social media? Are you interested in improving your skills and learning new ones in an international and collaborative environment with Political Science junior and senior researchers?
Your skills and requirements
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Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree.
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Have an excellent written and oral level of the English language.
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Have excellent knowledge of Corel Draw or other photo editing software.
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Autonomy and proactivity.
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Able to work in a dynamic environment.
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Understand the relevance of social media for academic purposes.
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Availability for around 4 hours per week.
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Previous experience managing institutional social media accounts and is an asset.
Your tasks
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Oversee day-to-day management of social media and ensure brand consistency through various social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Work with the Head of Research Department and the Head of Communications and PR Department to create and implement social media strategies.
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Ensure brand consistency in copy through tone, voice, and terminology.
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Supervise all aspects of social media interaction between readers, authors, and BRaS, as well as ensure a positive reader experience.
Create actionable plans to both grow and maintain followers.
Social Media Manager
The Brazilian Studies and Research Center’s (BRaS) core mission is to produce and diffuse social science transdisciplinary research on Brazil. Moreover, to provide researchers and civil society an easy-access platform to find and publish high-quality research. BRaS advocates for independent scientific research and knowledge exchange.
Do you want to improve BRaS’ presence on social media? Are you interested in improving your skills and learning new ones in an international and collaborative environment with Political Science junior and senior researchers?
Your tasks
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Work with the Head of Research Department and the Head of Communications and PR Department to create and implement social media strategies.
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Monitor SEO and user engagement and suggest content optimization.
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Communicate with industry professionals and influencers via social media to create a strong network.
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Hire and train others in the team.
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Provide constructive feedback.
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Adhere to rules and regulations.
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Present to Senior Management.
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Ensure progress on all platforms by using analytical tools such as Google Analytics and others.
Your skills and requirements
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BSc degree in Marketing or relevant field.
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Have an excellent written and oral level of the English language.
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Two years of experience as a Social Media Specialist or similar role.
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Social Media Strategist using social media for brand awareness and impressions.
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Excellent knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+, and other social media best practices.
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Understanding of SEO and web traffic metrics.
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Good understanding of social media KPIs.
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Familiarity with web design and publishing.
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Excellent multitasking skills.
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Great leadership skills.
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Critical thinker and problem-solving skills.
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Team player.
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Good time-management skills.
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Great interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills
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Availability for around 4 hours per week.
What we offer
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Contact and interaction with an international researchers’ network.
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Experience in social media management and content creation.
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Contact with institutions in Europe and Brazil.
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A position in the Communication and Public Relations Department.
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A volunteering certificate.