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After a record number of submissions, The ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Biotechnology Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean (²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-BIOLAC) is pleased to announce its 2025 lineup of training courses, workshops, and symposia. These activities, led by Latin American researchers and professors, aim to equip students with the latest knowledge and skills in cutting-edge and resource-efficient biotechnological techniques. As always, the program emphasized hands-on training, technology transfer, and South-South cooperation to address pressing regional challenges.

Several key themes stand out as common subjects for this year's educational activities:

• Genomics and Bioinformatics, like next-generation sequencing (NGS), genome analysis, functional annotation, and comparative genomics. These courses aim to enable participants to analyze large datasets, understand gene function, and develop new biotechnological applications based on this plentiful but hard-to-read source of information.
• Microbial Biotechnology, including biofuel production, bioremediation, and agriculture. Participants will gain expertise in working with microbial cell factories, exploring anaerobic microorganisms, and using microbial electrochemical technologies.
• Plant Biotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture with a focus on using microbes to improve plant growth and enhance food security. Emphasis is placed on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), tissue culture, advanced propagation techniques, the role of the agricultural microbiome, and bio-inputs.
• Neglected and emerging diseases: Several courses will focus on topics such as the molecular biology of parasites, the production of therapeutic proteins, and the development of vaccines.

Other courses will be a foothold for the region's opening up to new paradigms in synthetic biology, like the development of cell biosensors for environmental monitoring and other applications, molecular simulations, and protein design.

Participants in these activities will gain expertise in a variety of advanced techniques and technologies like Next Generation Sequencing, Bioinformatics, CRISPR-Cas9 Genome editing, Nanotechnology, metabolomics, bioelectrochemistry, bioreactors, artificial intelligence applied to biological research, and Mass Spectrometry.

The educational activities are closely linked to several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Projects focused on PGPR, plant disease resistance, and sustainable agriculture directly contribute to food security.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Activities focused on neglected diseases, vaccine development, and antimicrobial resistance.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Courses focused on constructed wetlands, wastewater treatment, and biofilm control aim to solve water-related issues.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Projects focused on microbial fuel cells, biofuel production, and circular waste management.

These capacity-building activities are crucial for the future of Latin America and the Caribbean as technology transfer hubs, cooperation opportunities, and enablers of local problem-solving that can pave the way for a more sustainable, healthy, and prosperous Latin America.

²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-BIOLAC's 2025 training program represents a significant investment in the region's scientific capacity. The program has been

The ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Biotechnology Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean has dedicated 37 years to strengthening biotechnology in Latin America. BIOLAC is a unique regional program of the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ. This global UN institution will arrive at its 50th anniversary this year with the mandate of generating knowledge, partnerships, and impact for an evidence-based approach to peace and sustainability.

Here's the complete lists of academic activities funded by ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-BIOLAC in 2025. Attendance scholarships will be available as organizers announce enrollment. Please follow our social channels (@unubiolac) for timely information: