The Lemann Foundation drives the production and sharing of knowledge through the Lemann Centers, created in partnership with world-class institutions in Brazil and around the globe. These spaces connect researchers, public managers, and leaders who are committed to addressing Brazil’s most pressing challenges, always focusing on applied solutions and lasting social impact.
In Brazil, the Lemann Center for Leadership and Equity in Education, located in Sobral, Ceará, strengthens public policies and supports school networks in their efforts to advance literacy and learning with racial equity. Developed in partnership with local governments and organizations, this work helps reduce historical inequalities and expand opportunities for all children and adolescents to reach their full potential.
Internationally, the Lemann Foundation supports similar centers and initiatives at leading universities such as Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, Columbia, and Illinois. These centers promote applied research in education, innovation, public policy, and leadership, while also offering scholarships, internships, and training opportunities for Brazilian students. By connecting talent from Brazil to global academic networks, they help transform knowledge into practical solutions to the country’s most complex challenges.
Each Lemann Center has its own agenda and complementary focus. At Stanford, the work centers on educational innovation and social entrepreneurship; at Harvard, the Brazil Studies Program and the Brazil Research Fund advance research on Brazil and high-impact public policies; at Oxford, the focus is on the public sector; at Columbia, on interdisciplinary research related to Brazil’s social realities; and at Illinois, on education and public policy studies. This diversity of approaches broadens the network’s reach and strengthens the connection between theory, practice, and social transformation.
Lemann Chairs
In addition to the Lemann Centers, the Foundation supports complementary academic initiatives through the Lemann Foundation Chairs, which foster cutting-edge research on key issues for Brazil. These Chairs are hosted at renowned universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Illinois, the University of Southern California, and St. Gallen.
In Brazil, the Lemann Foundation Chair at Insper is dedicated to applied research in economics and public policy. Together, these initiatives form a robust ecosystem for research and leadership development, expanding global perspectives on Brazil and strengthening the presence of Brazilian scholars in international debates. Through this work, innovative ideas are transformed into concrete solutions for the country’s sustainable development.
The impact of the Lemann Centers extends far beyond academia. The research, discussions, and training they foster inspire public policies, strengthen local government networks, and empower social organizations. Acting as catalysts for ideas, evidence, and practices, the Centers contribute to transforming Brazil’s reality—always grounded in data, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
Through long-term investments, the Lemann Foundation reaffirms its commitment to supporting high-quality public education and strengthening diverse, high-impact leadership.
Ultimately, the Lemann Centers are not only hubs of academic excellence but also spaces of connection, bringing together people and ideas who believe in the power of collaboration and knowledge to truly change Brazil.