SIMI Strengthens International Academic Collaboration:
Two New Agreements Signed in East Timor with ISFIT and UCT
The Scalabrini International Migration Institute (SIMI) continues its path of internationalization and academic collaboration in Dili, East Timor. Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Instituto Superior de Filosofia e de Teologia (ISFIT), SIMI has signed a new agreement with the Universidade Católica Timorense (UCT) São João Paulo II, expanding its network of partnerships in the country.
The Memorandum of Understanding with ISFIT was signed on August 20, 2026, by Fr. Leonir Mario Chiarello, CS, President of SIMI, and Fr. Justino Tanec, Rector of the Institute. The agreement aims to strengthen academic, scientific, and institutional collaboration, creating new opportunities in the areas of education, research, and knowledge exchange, with a particular focus on theology, pastoral ministry, the social sciences, and studies on human mobility.
This agreement was followed by another recently signed with the Universidade Católica Timorense (UCT) São João Paulo II by Friar Prof. Dr. Joel Casimiro Pinto, OFM, Rector of UCT. The collaboration with UCT will focus in particular on the fields of theology, mission, pastoral ministry, the social doctrine of the Church, ethics, social sciences, and migration studies. Among the main objectives identified are the promotion of research and training, the exchange of knowledge, and international mobility.
These two agreements represent a further step toward consolidating SIMI’s international presence and building an academic network increasingly focused on the study of human mobility and migration. Through collaboration with educational institutions in East Timor, SIMI aims to promote new opportunities for dialogue, research, and training, bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives on contemporary migration phenomena.
The collaboration with ISFIT and UCT thus reinforces SIMI’s commitment to building international networks dedicated to training and research, helping to foster greater awareness of the challenges and opportunities related to human mobility.