Cuban and American Scientific Community Meet in Havana: These Topics Were Discussed

A meeting that brought together Cuban and American researchers and scientists recently concluded in Havana.

The Second Joint Cuba-United States Scientific Meeting

The Second Joint Cuba-United States Scientific Meeting “Addressing Global Health Challenges through Scientific Innovation and Biomedical Research” took place in the Cuban capital between February 14 and 16.

Hugh Auchincloss, the Principal Deputy Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the United States (NIAID), led the northern delegation that exchanged with Cuban experts.

Some 23 American institutions were represented in the discussions on various topics, including pandemic preparedness, research on arboviruses, neurological disorders, and cancer.

Topics of Discussion

They also addressed other topics related to data science, trends in health technologies, and chronic conditions and risk factors throughout life.

On the Cuban side, authorities from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (Minsap), the “Pedro Kourí” Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), as well as officials from the BioCubaFarma business group, the Academy of Sciences, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended.

Benefits of the Bilateral Exchange

The exchange scenario between both nations is considered very fruitful as both regions update each other on health innovations derived from exhaustive scientific research addressing global issues affecting humanity.

It was also an appropriate context to recognize the contributions to science of several personalities from the field who were present.

Doctors Christopher Manuel Gómez, M.D., PhD., and Stephen Whitehead, PhD., two distinguished American scientists and researchers, received the category of Corresponding Academician of the Academy of Sciences of Cuba.

Historical Context

The first meeting of this kind took place in September 2023 when professionals also discussed topics related to science and technologies applied to issues such as the environment, among others.