07/10/2023The UniTo and Butterfly delegation’s mission to Brazil continued on October 6 with a day full of meaningful meetings and collaborations in beautiful Rio de Janeiro.
The day opened with a special seminar dedicated to the life and outstanding scientific contribution of Rita Levi Montalcini at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The scientist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, is present in Brazilian scientific history. After studying at the University of Turin, Rita Levi Montalcini undertook study and research trips to Latin America, including a period in Rio de Janeiro between 1952 and 1953. This connection opened the door to a unique opportunity for dialogue and collaboration.
Professors Alessandro Vercelli and Marina Boido held thematic meetings with Brazilian researchers during which many insights for potential collaborations emerged, not only in the field of neuroscience but also in other disciplines. In particular, United will attend the NeuroBuzios event in 2024 to discuss and finalize concrete collaborative projects.
The Butterfly Area delegation spent part of the day at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), a prominent institution in the field of health and scientific research in Latin America. The Foundation’s mission is to promote health, social development and the dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge. In an atmospheric setting, Vice Chancellor Cristina Prandi, together with Professors Luisella Celi and Cristina Giovanna Varese, was welcomed by the Foundation’s Vice President Isabela Delgado and numerous colleagues.
During the working day, several points of possible collaboration between UniTO and FIOCRUZ emerged for the development of shared research and educational programs. The organization of thematic webinars and specific collaboration agreements were discussed. One concrete idea is to organize collaborative Summer-Winter schools, promoting interaction between students and researchers from both institutions.
In the afternoon, Professors Celi and Varese visited the Maré campus of FIOCRUZ, guided by local colleagues. During the visit to the microbial biobanks, operational standards (SOPs) for microbial collections activities and microbiome study were discussed.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Cristina Prandi and Dr. Mariasilvia Ciola were welcomed by the Vice Chancellor for International Affairs of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Prof. Papa Matar Ndiaye, at the University’s brand new Technology Park. UniTO and UFRJ already have ongoing collaboration on several scientific areas, but this day of meetings paved the way for a possible even broader collaboration, and the involvement of many more departments. This articulated project could benefit from funding through the CAPES PrInt program, encouraging the mobility of students, doctoral students, researchers and joint research projects between the two universities.
Butterfly Area is excited to be at the center of this international collaborative mission and is ready to work on future developments of these promising partnerships.
