February 2025 marks an exciting time for the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), as it unveils numerous events aimed at enhancing academic and cultural engagement within the community. From commemorative celebrations to educational opportunities, UFMG continues its commitment to fostering knowledge and creativity.
Founded on February 17, 1975, the Fundep, the Support Foundation of UFMG, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with 50 commemorative actions planned from now until February 2026. Among these initiatives is the renovation of the Unidade Administrativa II building, providing support for academic and cultural events, and launching the second edition of the photography contest “Lentes Acadêmicas.” This contest kicked off on the foundation’s anniversary date, emphasizing the valuable contributions of students, faculty, and administrative staff engaged in teaching, research, and outreach projects. By fostering visibility for science and technology, the contest seeks to commemorate the history of the UFMG community.
The “Lentes Acadêmicas” contest invites participants across age groups, including students from basic and technical education, as well as graduate and post-graduate students, faculty, and researchers linked to projects at UFMG. The categories include Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Humanities, with prizes awarded to the top entries. Special awards will be presented for photographs highlighting the 50-year history of Fundep and those showcasing diversity within the UFMG community. With submissions accepted until April 17, announcements of the winners will coincide with the ENFASUD event scheduled for May 2025.
Meanwhile, for those aspiring to take the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM) this year but facing financial constraints, UFMG offers the ComunICA community preparatory course. Applications for this course are open until March 7, 2025, providing 100 spots split between former ComunICA students, employees, collaborators, and general candidates who meet specific criteria. Candidates can apply if they have completed or are studying at least the first two years of high school at public schools. The selection process includes multiple-choice questions and essays, with classes commencing on March 19, making it accessible for young scholars seeking to excel.
Another cultural highlight is the exhibition “Arte como Jogo de Brincar,” which opens on February 21, 2025, at the Centro Cultural UFMG. The artist Lucas Carvalho Rôla draws inspiration from the playfulness inherent in childlike imagination, informed by Freud’s theories on creativity and play. The exhibition promises to challenge perceptions of artistic creation through the lenses of play and imagination. Visitors can enjoy Rôla's unique works until March 30, as part of the 19th Festival de Verão UFMG.
For visitors interested in educational and cultural offerings, the Espaço do Conhecimento UFMG initiates a new season for group visits this month. Following its successful year with 7,100 visitors and 190 school groups—80% from public education—the museum will guide groups through its dynamic exhibitions. The upcoming sessions will include astronomy programs at the Planetarium. Reservations for group visits can be made starting February 21, with random selections for participation carried out on February 24.
UFMG's Faculty of Law is also hard at work, with registration opened until March 5 for its new specialization course focused on Public International Law and Human Rights. The program, which integrates both theoretical and practical components over 18 months, will admit 35 students and feature classes twice weekly at night. This course reflects UFMG's dedication to equipping its students with comprehensive legal expertise required for success and advocacy on significant global issues.
Lastly, UFMG is gearing up for the highly anticipated Festa do Livro, set to take place from March 24 to 27, 2025. This literary festival will provide discounts of 40% or more from various publishers and engage attendees with cultural programming filled with book launches, discussions, and other enriching activities. Following its successful debut last year, the Festa do Livro is poised to become another landmark event on the UFMG calendar.
With these diverse activities and offerings—from cultural exhibitions to academic specialization—February 2025 is shaping up to be a vibrant month at UFMG. The university firmly asserts its role not just as an educational institution but as a hub for cultural and intellectual discourse, inviting the community to participate and celebrate.