Millennium Nucleus BioGEM hosts ANID to evaluate research progress
The event brought together part of the center's staff and allowed them to showcase their advancements in biotechnology and sustainability, highlighting scientific achievements, expert training, and academia-industry partnerships.
The Millennium Nucleus of Bioproducts, Genomics and Environmental Microbiology (BioGEM) hosted a visit by representatives of the Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (ANID) this Friday as part of an institutional tour to evaluate the progress of scientific initiatives funded by the Milenio Program.
The event, held at the Casa Central of the Universidad Técnico Santa María (USM), began with a presentation led by Mauricio Maldonado Rojo, Director of the Milenio Department, who also participated in a tour of the campus facilities.
The proceedings continued with remarks by Dr. Michael Seeger, Director of Núcleo Milenio BioGEM and Professor at the USM Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Francisca Acevedo, Associate Professor at the UFRO Department of Basic Sciences and Alternate Director. They presented the center's interdisciplinary research progress, focusing on microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Seeger highlighted that the presentation was well-received by ANID's Milenio leadership, noting that it showcased "significant advancements in scientific productivity, advanced human capital training, the filing of three invention patents, community engagement, and the strengthening of international networks".
The event also featured the participation of principal investigators Ximena Besoain (PUCV), Iván Montenegro (UV), and Beatriz Cámara (USM), along with associate researchers, junior researchers, management and communications professionals, and the leadership team.
According to Dr. Seeger, this gathering "reflected the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of BIOGEM, solidifying us as a broad, dynamic, and excellence-driven group. We are one of the few Milenio centers located in regional areas and boast a team of 50 researchers and professionals".
Later, an analysis session was held to discuss both the center's strengths and growth opportunities. In this context, Dr. Acevedo emphasized the group's high productivity, stating that "this is reflected in the training of advanced human capital, high-impact scientific publications, and strategic collaborations between academia and the private sector".
"Our focus moving forward is to strengthen these lines of work and deepen interregional collaboration, integrating efforts from the Valparaíso, La Araucanía, and Metropolitan regions", she added.
The event concluded with a closing meeting and lunch, providing a space for dialogue about future actions and ANID's role in promoting cutting-edge science at the regional and national levels.
