The Bioimaging Research Network of Minas Gerais (BioIMG Net), coordinated by the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) and the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), is among the initiatives contemplated with funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), a philanthropy company created by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan. The project is one of 17 selected from more than 30 countries.
Researcher Rossana Melo, from UFJF, is one of the coordinators of BioIMG Net, alongside Cristina Guatimosim and Gregory Kitten, both from UFMG. “This is a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between microscopy laboratories in the state of Minas Gerais and then expanding this effort to other regions of Brazil and Latin America,” the scientists say. According to the team, the objective of the project is to “increase the production of scientific-technological knowledge and innovation and the training of qualified human resources”.
Project participants believe that, through this initiative, they can reduce asymmetries related to accessibility to microscopy equipment and related sample preparation and image analysis techniques. “In addition, BioIMG Net will encourage the implementation of microscopy and microanalysis techniques in universities and research centers located in economically disadvantaged regions. Another aspect of special importance for BioIMG Net is to promote, through courses and workshops, the sharing of infrastructure and to encourage the dissemination and exchange of knowledge in microscopy.”
Also, according to the researchers, the research network will have a direct impact on quality of life and medical care in the region. “BioIMG Net hopes, by supporting biomedical research, to directly impact the quality of life and healthcare in Latin America. Finally, the project also has the potential to promote an impact on science education by disseminating microscopy techniques for the study of natural phenomena to teachers and students of public schools in the state of Minas Gerais.”
Extra information:
Full news on UFJF’s website (Portuguese only)
Bioimaging Network for the Advancement of Biomedical Research (BioIMG Net)