Important Facts of the News
- UNU-BIOLAC renewed engagement with Venezuelan universities in October.
- Leadership visited Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) on 8 October.
- The visit followed postgraduate fellow Sofía Salazar’s research fellowship in chaotic 3D tissue printing at Tecnológico de Monterrey.
- Plans explored for collaboration between UCV and Tecnológico de Monterrey in nanobiotechnologies.
- Mr. Omar Molina later visited Universidad de Los Andes (ULA) during the 25th Festival de la Ciencia.
- Discussions at ULA focused on institutional partnerships and student support needs.
- Former fellows highlighted financial challenges for emerging science professionals in Venezuela.
In October, UNU-BIOLAC initiated a renewed phase of engagement with major Venezuelan universities to enhance scientific cooperation across biotechnology fields. The interactions marked a return to close academic collaboration aimed at supporting research and capacity building in the region.
Discussions with Universidad Central de Venezuela
On 8 October, UNU-BIOLAC Head Dr. Gustavo Fermin and Senior Administrative Assistant Omar Molina visited the Chemistry Department at Universidad Central de Venezuela. The visit followed the successful fellowship of postgraduate researcher Sofía Salazar, who recently completed work on chaotic 3D tissue printing at Tecnológico de Monterrey under the guidance of Dr. Jimmy Castillo at UCV.
During the visit, the team reviewed the ongoing research portfolio of Dr. Castillo’s laboratory. Discussions centered on establishing formal collaboration pathways between UCV and Tecnológico de Monterrey. The partnership under consideration would combine UCV’s strengths in chemical sciences with Monterrey’s advanced work in nanobiotechnologies through the laboratory of Dr. Grissel Trujillo, who has collaborated with UNU-BIOLAC for several years.
Engagement with Universidad de Los Andes at Festival de la Ciencia
Later in the month, Mr. Molina visited Universidad de Los Andes in Mérida during the 25th Festival de la Ciencia, an annual event that brings scientific demonstrations and educational activities to a broad public audience. The festival setting provided an opportunity to speak with institutional leaders and biotechnology researchers about potential academic collaborations.
Meetings were also held with former UNU-BIOLAC fellows and programme coordinators, who shared updates regarding their professional work. They highlighted ongoing challenges faced by promising students and young researchers, particularly the need for financial support in the current situation. Participants emphasized the importance of timely communication about training and fellowship opportunities within academic networks.
Focus on Strengthening Academic Pathways
The renewed interaction reaffirmed UNU-BIOLAC’s intention to reinforce academic ties while supporting the development of emerging scientific talent. The collaborative direction being explored focuses on improving research linkages, exchange opportunities, and the flow of information among institutions across Latin America.