Latin American Ambassadors at Technion
Diplomats from a dozen Latin American countries heard about the Technion’s scientific discoveries, its contribution to the fight against COVID-19, and more
The ambassadors and heads of mission of a dozen Latin American states, including Argentina, Colombia, and Peru, visited the Technion June 9 to hear about its scientific discoveries, contribution to the fight against coronavirus, its Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, and more.
The delegation also visited the laboratory of Prof. Benjamin Podbilewicz (originally from Mexico), and heard about the research of postdoctoral fellow Dr. Nicolas Brukman, who is from Argentina.
Prof. Podbilewicz’s laboratory studies cell fusion, and the focus of Dr. Nicolas Brukman’s study is the fusion of sperm and egg cells. He presented the study – which could have far-reaching implications on both contraceptives and infertility treatments – to the Latin American delegation, which toured his lab, located at the Emerson Family Life Sciences Building. The ambassadors were also interested in student exchange opportunities.
Prof. Benjamin Podbilewicz presents his lab to ambassadors of Latin American countries
Among the ambassadors were Margarita Eliana Manjarrez Herrera (Colombia), Carlos Daniel Chavez-Taffur Schmidt (Peru), Sergio Daniel Urribarri (Argentina), Adis Arlene Urieta (Panama), and Julissa Anzueto Aguilar (Guatemala). Last month, Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan hosted Gerson Menandro Garcia De Freitas, the Brazilian Ambassador to Israel, who toured the campus.
“Technion is well positioned to develop solutions to the world’s most pressing needs”
Gil Lainer, Director, Division of Public Affairs and Resource Development, welcomed the delegation to the Technion. “We have strong ties with Latin America, and always look to further collaborate,” he said. “The challenges of the 21st century are global, and the Technion is well positioned to develop solutions to the world’s most pressing needs.”
Among the ambassadors were Margarita Eliana Manjarrez Herrera (Colombia), Carlos Daniel Chavez-Taffur Schmidt (Peru), Sergio Daniel Urribarri (Argentina), Adis Arlene Urieta (Panama), and Julissa Anzueto Aguilar (Guatemala).
Most recently, the Technion signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which will support student exchange, clinical trials, and collaborative research projects between the two institutions.
Text by Tatyana Haykin