Spiros N. Agathos, Ph.D., attended the IX Symposium on Applied Microbiology organized by Sao Paulo State University- Río Claro.

May 17, 2019

Spiros N. Agathos, Ph.D., rector of Yachay Tech University attended the IX Symposium on Applied Microbiology in Brazil as an internationally recognized expert. The event took place from May 13 to 17, 2019, and was organized by the Sao Paulo State University, the biggest university in South America. Spiros N. Agathos gave a keynote speech and took part in the planning of mini courses that address topics related to applied and industrial microbiology. Finally, the Rector held talks with authorities of the Sao Paulo State University and the Federal University of Sao Carlos to start joint research collaborations.

During the first day of the Symposium, Spiros N. Agathos, Ph.D., participated in the planning of mini courses, and short and intensive workshops on various topics related to the general Symposium: development of a sustainable bio-economy (especially bioenergy and biofuels); remediation and recycling of valuable resources; application of environmentally sound technologies; and the establishment of a road map towards a circular economy. All these problems were addressed from the perspective of the use of microbial resources to contribute to the resolution of environmental challenges.

Within this framework, the Rector of Yachay Tech gave a keynote speech titled “Influence of artificial consortiums’ biodiversity in biodegradation activities”. In his speech, Spiros N. Agathos presented innovative strategies to tackle contamination problems by hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and similar pollutants. In addition, the talk seeks to encourage a discussion about the use of in situ bioremediation solutions in an effective manner.

During the following days of the Symposium, the Rector participated in several round tables to discuss relevant research topics for Yachay Tech University and for Ecuador; specifically, sustainable solutions to the problems resulting from the use of natural resources for the economic growth of the country. In this sense, Spiros N. Agathos presented his keynote speech on a field of research that has the potential to make easier the treatment of recurring hydrocarbon pollution, as is the case of Ecuador, specifically in oil fields such as in the Amazon Region of the country.