The Graduate Program in Geography at the State University of Londrina (PPGEO/UEL) was established in 2001 as a Master’s program, initially named “Geography, Environment, and Development.” Its theoretical and methodological proposal integrated teaching, research, and outreach, with a focus on environmental issues and regional development.
First Phase (2001–2007): Initial Structuring
The program was organized into four research lines:
- Watershed Dynamics and Management
- Technological Modernization and Territorial Organization in Paraná
- Land Use and Environmental Analysis
- Population and Development
This structure reflected the academic and social demands of the time, with an emphasis on regional studies of Northern Paraná—a region historically researched by geographers such as Pierre Monbeig, Lysia Bernardes, among others, who analyzed the transformations of Paraná’s territory from the pioneer fronts to the consolidation of the urban network.
2008 Restructuring: Consolidation of the Current Research Lines
In 2008, the program underwent its first major restructuring (Resolution CEPE-UEL 127/2007), being renamed “Master’s in Geography” and reorganized into:
- Area of Concentration: Socio-environmental Spatial Dynamics
- Research Lines:
- Geoenvironmental Dynamics (natural processes, water resource management, and risk assessment)
- Socio-spatial Dynamics (urban and rural transformations, and territorial planning)
- Geoenvironmental Dynamics (natural processes, water resource management, and risk assessment)
This change allowed greater integration among research efforts and reinforced the program’s geographic character, maintaining its connection to local issues such as agricultural modernization and the impacts of recent territorial occupation in Paraná.
Expansion to the Doctorate (2012) and Internationalization
In 2012, PPGEO took a qualitative leap with the implementation of its Doctoral program, expanding its scope to research at both national and international levels. During this period:
- Internationalization was strengthened through academic exchanges (Argentina, Portugal, Spain, and Canada)
- The number of faculty and course offerings increased, incorporating topics such as Industrial Geography, Pedology, and Teacher Education
- The program became a reference not only at the regional level but also nationally, attracting students from various states
Postdoctoral Stage and New Restructuring (2016–2018)
Starting in 2016, the program began offering postdoctoral fellowships (PNPD/CAPES), encouraging advanced research and the retention of researchers. In 2017–2018, a new restructuring (Resolution No. 30/2017) updated the curriculum structure, maintaining:
- Area of Concentration: Socio-environmental Dynamics and Spatial Organization
- Research Lines:
- Socio-spatial Dynamics (now including studies on inequalities, public policies, and geography education)
- Geoenvironmental Dynamics (with emphasis on climate change, risk management, and sustainability)
- Socio-spatial Dynamics (now including studies on inequalities, public policies, and geography education)
Recent Challenges and Consolidation (2018–2024)
In recent years, PPGEO faced the retirement of founding faculty members but renewed itself with the inclusion of new researchers, maintaining a balance across its research lines. Additionally:
- It expanded its engagement with geotechnologies (GIS, drones, remote sensing)
- Strengthened outreach projects and social impact initiatives (environmental education, territorial management)
- Maintained its commitment to academic excellence, training master’s and doctoral graduates for roles in universities, public institutions, and consultancy firms
Tradition and Future
PPGEO/UEL preserves its geographic identity, in dialogue with the intellectual legacy of scholars from Paraná, while also embracing contemporary challenges, such as:
- Climate change
- Socio-spatial justice
- Innovations in geotechnologies
Today, the program is consolidated as a reference center for geographic research with interdisciplinary perspectives, combining scientific rigor with social relevance and maintaining its historical connection with the Northern region of Paraná—now from a global perspective.
Last Coordenations
Coordenation 2001/2003
Prof.ª Dr.ª Márcia Siqueira de Carvalho (Head)
Prof. Dr. Valmir de França (Vice)
Coordenation 2003/2005
Prof.ª Dr.ª Márcia Siqueira de Carvalho (Head)
Prof. Dr. José Paulo Peccinini Pinese (Vice)
Coordenation 2005/2007
Prof. Dr. José Paulo Peccinini Pinese (Head)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Alice Y. Asari (Vice)
Coordenation 2007/2010
Prof. Dr. José Paulo Peccinini Pinese (Head)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Alice Y. Asari (Vice)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Mirian Vizintim Fernandes Barros (Head)
Coordenation 2010/2011
Prof.ª Dr.ª Mirian Vizintim Fernandes Barros (Head)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Rosana Figueiredo Salvi (Vice)
Coordenation 2011/2017
Prof.ª Dr.ª Rosana Figueiredo Salvi (Head)
Prof. Dr. Pedro Rodolfo Siqueira Vendrame (Vice)
Coordenation 2017/2019
Prof. Dr. Pedro Rodolfo Siqueira Vendrame (Head)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Ideni Terezinha Antonello (Vice)
Coordenation 2019/2021
Prof.ª Dr.ª Ideni Terezinha Antonello (Head)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Jeani Delgado Paschoal Moura (Vice)
Coordenation 2021/2023
Prof.ª Dr.ª Jeani Delgado Paschoal Moura (Head)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Adriana Castreghini de Freitas Pereira (Vice)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Eloiza Cristiane Torres (3rd Member)
Coordenation 2024/2025 (atual)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Jeani Delgado Paschoal Moura (Head)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Ideni Terezinha Antonello (Vice)
Prof.ª Dr.ª Patrícia Fernandes Paula-Shinobu (3rd Member)
Prof. Dr. Pedro Rodolfo Siqueira Vendrame (4th Member)