The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Daniel Filmos, and the President of CONICET, Anna Franchi, participated in the inauguration of the new facilities of the Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (IBBM/CONICET-UNLP). Also present were the head of the National Police Front, Martín López Armengol; Director of IBBM, Antonio Lagaris, and Director of CONICET La Plata, Gloria Chicote, among other authorities.
There, Filmos highlighted that the National University of La Plata “represents a university model to follow because it combines the training of outstanding specialists, the production of knowledge in the subject areas of the country, and the regional links. UNLP is one of the universities most interested in reaching out to those who have less; the debate is about a university model My future should take UNLP as an example.Today I was listening to a presidential candidate saying that Argentine universities are meaningless, that they are almost empty and that 50% are foreign students.It is necessary to assure this person that in our country there are more than 2,400,000 students university students, and that 80% of them go to public universities and that only 4% are foreigners, which also makes us very proud that they chose our country and our universities to come to study.”
Afterwards, the Minister of Science said, “It is an interesting moment to reflect on the role of science. We have to generate awareness that science should be a state policy. No country has achieved development, growth and distribution of wealth without science or universities. Alternation of governments is a model of democracy, but what It should not be typical of a democracy to come and go with scientific and technological plans, projects and programs that are fundamental and which, when four years are lost, must be rebuilt. Start almost from scratch. We must defend what has been achieved because support for science supports Argentina and support for scientists supports those who will impart that knowledge to help improve the living conditions of our people.As Hosay said “Science is not expensive, and ignorance is expensive.”
For his part, Franchi emphasized: “These achievements involve dreams, energy, effort and commitment. We are here today, so that everyone can work in better conditions and we must continue to work to provide young people with many access options and opportunities to develop and contribute to science and technology.” In addition, he spoke about recognizing the right to science and how this has been an important pillar during the pandemic, as The demand for science by society allowed us to see the necessity and importance of a high scientific and technological development in the country.
In turn, López-Armengol noted: “This is mainly an act of gratitude to CONICET and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation headed by Daniel Filmos, which through its programs “Equip Science” and “Build Science” provides us with very important support for the growth and development of our research system, providing funding for the implementation of construction work infrastructure and access to equipment.
The head of the English National Front asserted that “maintaining public education and the scientific-technological system must be the responsibility of the state; it is a premise that we must strengthen more than ever in electoral times.” He added, “Development and transformation in a country cannot become a reality unless it is done through the promotion of a scientific model that puts knowledge at the service of the main demands of society.”
IBBM is a dual affiliate institute of UNLP-CONICET and develops its activities in the building located at 50th and 115th Streets, called Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo. A wing with a basement and three floors attached to the historic building was opened. Ten offices, a meeting room, a meeting room, a spacious dining hall, a workshop and five toilets. With an investment of over 46 million pesos, the new building will allow for a more efficient distribution of the nearly one hundred people who work there.
About IBBM
The objectives of IBBM are to promote and carry out scientific and technological research tasks in the field of vital interactions between microorganisms and their hosts, to transfer the results to the productive social environment, and to train qualified human resources to favor the development, application and projection of knowledge on the whole society.
IBBM currently focuses its work on studying the interactions of microorganisms with eukaryotic plant hosts (symbiotic nitrogen-fixing associations between roots and legumes; pathogenic interactions of viruses with plants, and viral vectors against plant pests), and with humans (viral and bacterial pathogens, basic studies and development of tools). Diagnostics and Immunology). Through a molecular approach, the groups address the fundamental study of systems and possible biotechnological applications. In this context, IBBM provides training services (courses) and advice (technical) for the public and private environment.
The institute is staffed by researchers, support staff, doctoral and postdoctoral fellows, and administrative staff. Within the support team are technical and professional resources who specialize in general laboratory tasks, maintenance of strain collections, plant and cell culture, aquarium maintenance, and equipment maintenance and repair.
