The Association of Amazonian Universities (UNAMAZ) attended, this Monday (September 22nd), the commemorative event for the 50th anniversary of the Meteorology course at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). The ceremony took place in the auditorium of the Institute of Geosciences and the Faculty of Meteorology, on the UFPA campus in Belém. Professor Dr. Sônia Guerreiro represented the president of UNAMAZ, Professor Dr. José Seixas Lourenço, on the occasion.
The Meteorology course at UFPA (Federal University of Pará) began in 1974, as part of the National Campaign for the Training of Meteorologists of the Ministry of Education (MEC). After a feasibility study conducted by Professor José Seixas Lourenço and with the significant contribution of Professors Sônia Guerreiro and Ellen Cutrim, the course was officially created in 1975, when the first entrance exam took place.
Sônia Guerreiro, a graduate of the first Meteorology class in Brazil from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), was the first coordinator of the course at UFPA. During her participation in the event, she read a lecture written by José Seixas Lourenço, which recounted the history of the course. She then highlighted the transformations in the training of professionals over time.
“The training of meteorologists in Brazil has changed considerably over the years. The curriculum has evolved significantly, improving learning in Meteorology itself. Initially, the proposal divided the course into two stages, similar to the Physics course. Today, the structure is much more attractive and intensive, with a greater focus on specific training in Meteorology,” explained Sônia Guerreiro.
Professor João Batista Ribeiro, PhD, vice-director of the Meteorology Faculty at UFPA (FAMET), highlighted that the course is well-evaluated in the Guia do Estudante (Student Guide), achieving above-average scores. According to him, throughout its history, 491 meteorologists have graduated, many of whom now hold master's and doctoral degrees and work in universities, research institutes, public agencies, private companies, and international organizations.
“This course was pioneering in the Northern region, being the third Meteorology course in Brazil. In the current scenario, marked by climate change, and in light of the COP30, the importance of the course in training professionals capable of forecasting, diagnosing, and developing technologies that prepare the population to face climate crises is evident. Some significant changes are already happening in the Amazon, especially in Pará. Therefore, the training of human resources in this area is fundamental for our state and our region,” emphasized João Batista.
Also present at the opening ceremony were the director of the Institute of Geosciences, Professor Dr. Arnaldo de Queiroz da Silva; the director of the Faculty of Meteorology, Professor Dr. Maria Isabel Vitorino; the representative of the faculty of the Meteorology course, Professor Dr. Edson José Paulino da Rocha; and the coordinator of Meteorological Support in Pará for the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), Adriroseo Raimundo Alves dos Santos.
The event was promoted by UFPA, through the Pro-Rectorate for Undergraduate Education, the Institute of Geosciences, and the Faculty of Meteorology, with institutional support from the National Institute of Meteorology/Coordination of the 1st Meteorological District (INMET).
Ascom/UNAMAZ