Two FGV professors were recently recognized by their peers at the University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) Awards. The awards ceremony took place during UBRI’s annual meeting on October 12 and 13 at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Professor Eduardo Diniz of FGV EAESP was the winner in the UBRI Impact (Using Blockchain for Good) category, for his work on research projects evaluating the role of solidarity cryptocurrencies in promoting financial inclusion.

Professor Jéfferson Colombo of FGV EESP was the winner in the UBRI Maverick (Innovative Use of UBRI Funds) category, for his work at FGV EESP in annual data marathons or “datathons” with groups of undergraduate students in the areas of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and financial innovations.

The UBRI Awards are an annual opportunity for representatives of all the educational institutions in the UBRI network to nominate outstanding academics and educators in different areas. Every year, a committee made up of representatives of some of these institutions assesses the merits of these nominations and chooses the winners in each category. In 2023, the fifth edition of the event, it was the first time that an educational institution in Latin America won.

“These awards attest to the fact that the work FGV is doing in the UBRI network is not only known but also recognized by its peers. This is the result of continuous efforts to develop a comprehensive and cross-cutting research, teaching and extension program in the areas of blockchain and financial innovation,” said Jéfferson Colombo, who also acts as FGV’s coordinator and focal point with UBRI.

The event debated the following subjects:

• Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs);
• Decentralized finance and decentralized exchanges;
• Tokenization;
• Identity;
• Applications and use cases;
• Blockchain for good – sustainability.

Currently, 54 education institutions around the world are members of the UBRI network, which is a partnership between industry and universities promoted by Ripple.

A list of partner institutions and the schedule for the 2023 event are available here.