Rodrigo Ito is a PhD fellow at the United Nations University, Maastricht University and the University of Campinas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics (Magna Cum Laude) from the Federal University of Ceará and a master’s degree in Science and Technology Policy from the University of Campinas.

His research interests include the economics of science, science and technology policy, and development economics. He investigates the role of foreign-educated researchers in connecting scientific systems and fostering the productivity of non-mobile researchers from middle-income countries. He is also interested in understanding the collaboration between the scientific diaspora and researchers in their countries of origin.

Rodrigo has worked as a lecturer at Maastricht University and as an external consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank.