MELISA Institute and Universidad Mayor sign a collaboration agreement to strengthen scientific research in Chile

With the aim of promoting proteomic research, advanced training, and the creation of scientific networks in the country, MELISA Institute and Universidad Mayor signed an important collaboration agreement this Friday.

The ceremony took place in the Science Auditorium of the Huechuraba Campus of Universidad Mayor, with the participation of academic and scientific authorities from both institutions. The meeting was opened by the Rector of the university, Dr. Patricio Manque, and the Chairman of MELISA Institute, Dr. Elard Koch, who emphasized the importance of this agreement in promoting scientific development and opening new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Following the signing, the seminar "From Cells to Ecosystems: Cutting-edge Proteomics for Quantitative Studies" was held, in which leading national researchers shared their latest advances. Dr. Estefanía Nova-Lamperti (Universidad de Concepción) presented on mitochondrial transfer in oral cancer; Dr. Andrés Marcoleta (University of Chile) presented his studies on Antarctic bacteria and their resistance mechanisms; and Dr. Ute Woehlbier (Universidad Mayor) addressed the role of Pacer in autophagy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

These presentations reflected the high quality and diversity of scientific research in Chile and highlighted the importance of fostering cooperation between institutions.

During the event, Eloísa Koch, General Manager of MELISA Institute, emphasized: "This agreement is a fundamental step to strengthen collaborative research in Chile. We are convinced that combining the capabilities of universities and research centers is key to generating a real impact on our society and opening new opportunities for the country's scientific development."

Afterward, our staff participated in a guided tour of the Biological Sciences Laboratory, led by Dr. Patricio Manque, Dr. Felipe Court, and Dr. Ute Woehlbier. During the tour, they visited the Universidad Mayor's Center for Integrative Biology, which brings together numerous research laboratories and academics from diverse fields.

Later, they visited the vivarium and the presentation of the Universidad Mayor's Light-Sheet Imaging Initiative (LiSIUM), a scientific and academic program aimed at expanding access to light-sheet microscopy in Chile and Latin America.

MELISA Institute thanks the Vice-Rector's Office for Research at Universidad Mayor for opening this space and making its experience and research history available.

The agreement marks the beginning of a phase of new joint projects and growth opportunities for national science, reaffirming the commitment of both institutions to the advancement of knowledge and the development of the country.