Vinícius Ferreira da Paixão

Vinícius Ferreira da Paixão is Programme and Research Officer at the Integral Ecology Research Network (IERN), as well as an Academic Visitor at Campion Hall, University of Oxford. His work integrates academic research, environmental ethics, and public policy, with a primary focus on integral ecology and education for sustainability.

He holds a PhD in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) from the University of São Paulo (USP), where he employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) and machine learning for advancing cancer diagnosis. Additionally, he completed a Master's degree in Cellular and Structural Biology at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), focusing on antigen production strategies for developing diagnostic and treatment technologies for neglected tropical disease - dengue fever.

As a researcher and coordinator in the group The Rights of Nature and Environmental Rationality for an Integral Ecological Education at the Dom Helder School of Law, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Vinícius has contributed to interdisciplinary research on legal, ethical, and educational frameworks related to environmental protection, with an emphasis on public policies and ecological awareness.

In addition to his academic and research achievements, Vinícius is a dedicated cellist. His passion for music began in childhood, and he has been involved in numerous social projects, including teaching music in community-based initiatives. In search of greater interdisciplinarity, he completed a postgraduate course in contemporary youth. Over the years, he has also volunteered as an educator in preparatory courses, and later, in educational projects in Belo Horizonte. His work as a musician deeply informs his approach to education and social engagement, with a belief in the transformative power of the arts and humanities.

In Oxford, he plays a key role in coordinating the Integral Ecology Summer School (IESS) and supports IERN’s participation in COP 30, working to foster collaborations between academic institutions, civil society, and policy networks. His academic and outreach efforts are driven by a strong commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and effective solutions to ecological challenges.