The Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology at the School of Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), was established in 1991 by a group of faculty members (Masters and Doctors) from UFPel who had been engaged in epidemiological research for a decade. This group also founded the Epidemiological Research Center (CPE), which has been responsible for numerous significant studies. Given the group’s recognized expertise, particularly in population-based research, there was considerable interest among faculty members and health professionals in pursuing academic qualifications. In response to this evident demand and a desire to broaden knowledge, the faculty group conceived and established the Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology (PPGEpi).

Established in 1991, the Master’s Program in Epidemiology at UFPel achieved an ‘A’ grade in its initial 1995 evaluation by the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES/MEC). Following this success, the program received CAPES’ endorsement to launch the Doctoral Program in Epidemiology in 1997, which commenced the following year with an expanded faculty of doctoral-level professors.