Práticas e contextos de extensão universitária: uma scoping review

University extension is one of the core social functions of universities, characterized by a dialogical interaction with the community. The feedback generated through this engagement fosters both internal and external transformation within the university. Despite the theoretical indissolubility between teaching, research, and extension in university management, the latter is often regarded institutionally as “the poor relative” in terms of the development and improvement of the quality of educational offerings at universities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse the literature related to university extension, including its conceptualisation, organisation, modalities, and contexts. To achieve this, a scoping review was adopted to select, analyse, and synthesise the literature found in five databases: SCOPUS, Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), GOOGLE SCHOLAR, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), and the Open Access Scientific Repository of Portugal (RCAAP). The results indicate a need for further in-depth studies on extension. Although there has been significant evolution in research and scientific production, literature on university extension still exhibits notable gaps.