To mark the start of an emerging partnership between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Brazilian early childhood researchers, the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools will host Ricardo Paes de Barros, a leading Brazilian economist, for a 10 a.m. presentation Aug. 11 at the Nebraska Union.

Barros will discuss “The Status of Early Childhood Development in Brazil and its Progress Over the Past Decade: Programs, Outcomes and Legislation,” during his campus presentation, which is open to faculty and students. To reserve a seat, RSVP to cyfs@unl.edu.

With a background in engineering, statistics and economics, Barros directed Brazil’s Integrated Economic and Applied Research Institute for more than 30 years and conducted studies on inequality and poverty, the job market and education in Brazil and Latin America. He also served as the sub-secretary for strategic affairs at the Secretariat of Strategic Affairs of the Presidency of the Republic of Brazil.

Barros most recently joined Insper, a leading Brazilian educational and research institution. At Insper, he is identifying Brazil’s social challenges — including those in early childhood — through scientific research, and then formulating and evaluating relevant public policy.

Barros’ leadership in applied research and policy sets a foundation for continuing collaborations between Brazil and UNL, said Susan Sheridan, director of CYFS. Researchers from both countries share similar goals to advance the lives of children and families.

“Together with colleagues in Brazil, we seek evidence-based solutions to early childhood challenges,” Sheridan said. “We are prioritizing early childhood in Nebraska and around the world, because children’s early years affect nearly every aspect of our collective futures.”