On the morning of November 28, Yachay Tech University opened the XLIII Edition of the Jornadas Nacionales de Biología at the facilities of the Instituto Tecnológico Superior 17 de Julio. 

The event gathered professionals dedicated to research in the fields of Biology, Physiology, Genetics, Bioengineering and Biomaterials, Ecology, Agro ecology, Agronomy, Aquaculture, Systematics, Taxonomy and Environmental Engineering. The event also included keynote lectures with internationally renowned speakers, talks by leading researchers in their area and poster sessions in the Botanical Garden.

During the opening event, the Undersecretary of Scientific Research of Senescyt, Nicolás Malo Corral, invited attendees to think about research in life sciences in a much wider scope, ensuring that the generation of knowledge is key for development, and that it must be destined to satisfy the needs and productive diversification and thus, improve the economy of Ecuador.

For Carolina Serrano, student at Yachay Tech University and member of the organizing committee, “the jornadas promote scientific exchange between students and researchers from different universities to coordinate future research projects.”

Research projects conducted by students and faculty of Yachay Tech make up around 25% of the projects presented during the event. One of these was “Synthesis and characterization of cellulose-based hydrogels for antibiotic delivery against Leishmaniasis”, through the creation of a hydrogel that releases the drug in a controlled manner.

In terms of community engagement, a “Strategy of field schools for farmers (ECA´s) in the cultivation of uvilla (Physalis peruviana) for rural development in Cotacachi” was revealed. The purpose was to provide training in good agricultural farming practices to raise production, determine production costs and define profitability.

This academic debate and exchange of experiences event will continue on Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30.