The International Virtual Institute for Global Change - IVIG, is a multidisciplinary institution that develops studies and projects in different areas of knowledge, with an emphasis on technology, innovation & sustainability. The Institute is directly linked to the COPPE board, thus having the flexibility to develop interdisciplinary studies with the institution's other programs.
 

It was created in June 1999, on the initiative of FAPERJ - Secretariat of Science and Technology - within its Virtual Institutes Program. The objective was to promote studies and research on selected topics, of an interdisciplinary nature, in networks anchored in universities and scientific and technological institutes based in the State of Rio de Janeiro, in collaboration with other research groups in the country and abroad.

Since then, IVIG has been working in several areas of technological and scientific knowledge, in order to contribute to minimizing possible environmental problems arising from energy issues and the risk of improper use of technologies that can directly affect the quality of life of urban and rural populations. .