History
The Graduate Program in Forest Sciences (PPGCF), the first program in the field of Forest Sciences offered in the Northeast of Brazil, celebrated 22 years of activity in August 2024. The Master's course began in 2002, and the Doctoral program in 2007. Both are accredited by the Federal Education Council (MEC Ordinance No. 1077, dated 08/31/2012, published in the Official Gazette on 09/13/2012, section 1, p. 25).
The PPGCF's area of concentration is Forest Sciences, coherently encompassing the following research lines: Ecology and Nature Conservation, Forest Management and Use of Forest Products, and Silviculture. As of December 31, 2023, a total of 210 master's dissertations and 85 doctoral theses had been defended.
PPGCF alumni are found in public and private institutions in Brazil and abroad, primarily engaged in research and teaching activities. Many of them are now active in other Graduate Programs, reflecting the PPGCF’s role in establishing academic networks throughout Brazil. These outcomes are attributed to the competence and engagement of its faculty in the field of Forest Sciences.
CAPES Evaluation and Scholarships
The Program currently holds a CAPES rating of 4 and receives scholarships from CAPES, CNPq, and FACEPE (Foundation for the Support of Science and Technology of the State of Pernambuco). Additionally, it welcomes international students who are supported by scholarships from their home countries or international organizations.
Program Objectives
General Objective:
To qualify professionals in the field of Forest Sciences for activities in research, higher education teaching, and outreach.
Specific Objectives:
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To contribute to improving the quality of research in the field of Forest Resources and Forest Engineering;
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To support the forestry sector, including its companies, through projects aimed at improving product quality and increasing production, thereby fostering integration between academia and industry;
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To train teachers and researchers in Forest Sciences, enabling them to acquire theoretical and methodological tools grounded in the mastery of specific pedagogical-scientific content. This training, rooted in a contextual understanding of reality, prepares professionals to actively seek solutions that reflect a political commitment to the majority of the Brazilian population, particularly in the Northeast region;
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To enable the development of research projects that integrate research and outreach activities within Forest Sciences;
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To establish cooperative exchanges with other institutions at local, regional, national, and international levels, aimed at enhancing the professional development in this field;
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To provide continued technical and scientific training in the area of Forest Sciences for graduates in Forest Engineering and professionals in related fields who can demonstrate current or past experience in Forest Science.