Brief History

The Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences (PPGCV) at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) has a long-standing tradition of academic and scientific excellence in Brazil and Latin America. Its origins date back to 1965, with the creation of the Master’s Program in Veterinary Parasitology—one of the first graduate programs in veterinary sciences in the country. In 1972, the program was restructured and renamed the Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine – Veterinary Parasitology, receiving official accreditation from the Federal Council of Education (CFE) in 1975.

In 1977, responding to the growing demand for advanced academic training, the program expanded to include a Doctorate level, further strengthening its capacity to produce highly qualified researchers. Over the decades, the program has continuously evolved, embracing new scientific and societal challenges while promoting innovation in teaching, research, and outreach.

In 2001, reflecting its interdisciplinary growth, a new concentration area in Animal Health was introduced, and the program was officially renamed the Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences (PPGCV). This expansion allowed for the integration of multiple disciplines and reinforced research in areas relevant to animal health, public health, and the environment.

Since 2013, the PPGCV has consolidated its academic structure into a single concentration area—Veterinary Sciences—encompassing a wide range of research areas that incorporate innovative, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches. In the most recent CAPES four-year evaluation (2013–2016), the program received a rating of 6 out of 7, placing it among the top graduate programs in Veterinary Medicine in Brazil.

Today, the PPGCV stands out for its commitment to training highly qualified professionals, producing impactful scientific research, and expanding its international presence. The program maintains strong collaborations with prestigious academic institutions around the world and regularly welcomes international students seeking to develop their careers in a dynamic, innovative, and socially engaged academic environment.