PUCRS, grounded in human rights, in the principles of Christianism and in the Marist educational tradition, through comprehensive education, creates and transforms knowledge into social, environmental, cultural and economic development, preparing people to change the world for the better.
Being a new university for a new society, acknowledged for its impact and its relevance.
The Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul is a non-profit higher education institution dedicated to teaching, research and extension. It has a very strong relationship with society, in an effort to provide training to responsible, independent, innovative and charitable citizens with an eye to the scientific, cultural, social and economic development. As civil society institution, PUCRS recognizes the democratic and Republican values of the Rule of Law, by respecting the fundamental rights and human dignity. It is governed by its Statute, its By-Laws and existing legal norms. The educational tradition of the Marist Brothers as its reference of its identity. It is firmly committed to the promotion and protection of humanity, life and the environment.
The Marist Brothers arrived in Rio Grande do Sul in 1900 with an educational approach based on respect and hard work, in line with Catholic values and guided by St. Marcellin Champagnat’s vision.
Marist schools have played an important role in shaping the Gaúcho society, resulting in the establishment of the Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul) in 1948, which received the Pontifical title in 1950.
Today, PUCRS is a benchmark in higher education and research in Brazil and around the world: a true Marist university.
PUCRS invests in social development in order to broaden existing capabilities and to help build a just, unified and sustainable society, which promotes social inclusion and citizenship.
In line with our Strategic Plan, the Institutional Policy for Social Development establishes guidelines and promotes collaborations in order to contribute to human and social development, taking into account the principles and values of the Marist educational philosophy, ensuring the development of responsible social awareness in the university and society. All projects and actions undertaken by the university are inter- and cross-disciplinary, coordinating teaching, research, extension and management, guided primarily by the notion of involvement in order to promote development.
The PUCRS campus has several areas available for different cultural activities in music, literature, cinema, history, science and foreign cultures. These activities often involve the Science and Technology Museum, the Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, literary collections and historical records donated by famous authors. The PUCRS Institute for Culture is responsible for organizing and promoting courses, events and exhibits, and for defining policies to ensure that the university’s cultural productions are available to society.
Committed to professional and human development, based on Christian spirituality and Marist educational principles, and focused on valuing individuals, PUCRS promotes cooperation, dialogue, inclusion and solidarity.
The university organizes a range of projects to promote dialogue between faith and culture, fostering spirituality through a meaningful community experience of faith. Sacraments of Christian initiation, retreats, meditation, spiritual guidance, training meetings, daily masses and prayers are some of the activities that contribute to a well-rounded education, quality of life and the development of a just and fraternal society.
PUCRS is engaged in environmental conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. Projects are developed focusing on water resources, solid waste, environmental education, optimizing electric energy consumption, among others.
The university also promotes research related to the exploitation of renewable energy sources, always driven by innovation and sustainability, in order to qualify professionals and foster development in the environmental and social areas.
