San José, March 4, 2024 San José, March 4, 2024. The University of Costa Rica and the Costa Rican Agency for Biomedical Research, ACIB-FUNIN, signed this Monday a framework cooperation agreement, to promote the conduct of research, in pursuit of the comprehensive well-being of the Costa Rican population.

Both entities have been dedicated, for decades, to the generation of scientific evidence to contribute to the development of the country and the promotion of health, and on various occasions, they have even signed specific agreements to carry out joint research.

The agreement signed this Monday empowers both parties to develop research actions, social action and teaching training. Likewise, “both institutions, in a coordinated manner, will jointly define, design and execute all those programs or projects of mutual interest, in the specific terms that they will agree on at each opportunity and within the limit of their own powers faculties and attributions”, states the agreement.

“We are very pleased to sign this alliance that, without a doubt, will enhance the research capabilities of two organizations with extensive experience and highly trained human resources. This collaboration represents a great opportunity to carry out high-impact research and, thereby, contribute to make decisions in health matters”, says Dr. Carolina Porras, director of research at ACIB-FUNIN.

Likewise, the agreement also aims to establish cooperation to carry out other activities that facilitate the exchange of knowledge, the development of community ties and professional training.

“For more than 30 years, various ACIB-FUNIN researchers have participated in studies on key topics for worldwide health, such as human papillomavirus, cervical cancer, chronic kidney disease, breast cancer, SARS-CoV-2, among others. This experience and that of the UCR researchers will be transcendental for the development of innovative projects, aimed to improve knowledge, prevention and treatment of the health problems that most affect the Costa Rican population,” explains Dr. Rolando Herrero, scientific director of ACIB-FUNIN.

The agreement also presents the opportunity to train new professionals in health sciences and other related disciplines in biomedical research.