HISTORY
The Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGECM) at the State University of Ponta Grossa began in 2000 and was recognized by CAPES in 2001, becoming the first program at the university to receive such recognition.
In the same year, the program was awarded R$ 1,800,000.00 through the UGF (Fund Management Unit) public notice by Paraná Tecnologia, an agency linked to the State Department of Science and Technology of Paraná, with the project “Implementation of the Materials Research Center.”
The central idea at the time was to create a basic infrastructure for the development of advanced materials research, incorporating the three research lines of the program within the concentration area of Materials Development and Characterization, under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Egon Antonio Torres Berg.
PPGECM was a turning point for the institution. In 1994 and 1998, two master’s programs had been created at UEPG, but both had originated from specialization courses and were fee-paying. The Materials Engineering master’s program had a significant impact, showing the correct path of free stricto sensu graduate studies, funded by public agencies through project-based funding—that is, based on curriculum quality and project merit.
From that point on, a broad institutional discussion took place, and it was decided that all stricto sensu graduate programs would be free of charge.
In April 2016, the proposal to open a doctoral course was approved by CAPES, and the program began in August 2016 with five enrolled students. By the end of 2020, the program had 29 PhD students and 32 master’s students enrolled.
On November 18, 2020, the first PhD defense took place, by Ricardo Sanson Namur, marking a milestone in PPGECM’s history. By the end of 2024, the program had reached 204 master’s defenses and 19 PhD defenses.
CONTEXT
The State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), located in the central-southern region of Paraná State and serving 22 municipalities in its area of influence, was established by the State Government of Paraná through Law No. 6.034 of November 6, 1969, and Decree No. 18.111 of January 28, 1970. It is one of the most important higher education institutions in the state, resulting from the merger of several independent state colleges.
UEPG uses its Institutional Development Plan (PDI) and Institutional Pedagogical Project (PPI) as its main planning frameworks. The current PDI/PPI (2023–2027) focuses on achieving excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and extension activities, aiming for national and international academic recognition.
OBJECTIVES
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Train master’s graduates in Materials Science and Engineering to develop teaching and research activities related to the research and development of materials;
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Produce technical and scientific knowledge that contributes to the advancement of traditional and advanced materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites) and their applications;
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Enhance cultural and technological awareness to meet societal needs and raise the standard of living;
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Train highly qualified professionals to meet the demands of Paraná’s new technological development profile, especially with the arrival of high-tech industries in the region;
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Contribute to the technological development of industries in the Campos Gerais region and other areas of the state through joint research projects with industry;
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Support the qualification of faculty at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Campos Gerais region and beyond.
AREA OF CONCENTRATION
The concentration area of the master’s program is “Materials Characterization and Development”, currently comprising three research lines:
Materials Characterization
This research line focuses on determining material properties and characteristics using various techniques (spectroscopic, thermal, morphological, etc.) based on process or compositional parameters. It also includes the development of techniques to characterize specific properties of materials.
Materials Processing
This line emphasizes studying the influence of processing on material properties and characteristics; developing new processing techniques; and optimizing operational parameters to achieve desired material features.
Degradation and Environment
This line focuses on the study of degradation processes such as corrosion, biodegradation, and photo-oxidation, as well as the variables that affect them. It also includes research on the environmental impact of materials and preservation strategies, such as the use of non-hazardous solid waste.
GRADUATE PROFILE
The main goals of the program are to:
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Train professionals qualified to work in industry and higher education institutions;
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Strengthen the scientific and professional competence of graduate students;
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Develop research projects in partnership with national and international companies and institutions;
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Study and develop new materials and processes suited to the regional and national technological context;
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Carry out scientific and technological research of excellence, aligned with national and international standards for science and technology development;
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Promote the university’s role as a leader in technological innovation with strong regional and national impact by developing high-quality teaching and transferring scientific and technological research outcomes.
FUNDING
The program receives financial support from:
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CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development)
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CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel)
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FINEP (Funding Authority for Studies and Projects)
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Fundação Araucária (Araucária Foundation)
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Research and development agreements with companies
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PROAP (Postgraduate Support Program) – UEPG