Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and the National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI) ‘Dr. Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez,’ an institution under the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), have signed an inter-institutional cooperation agreement to strengthen scientific research and academic training in public health and wildlife conservation in Ecuador.
As part of this agreement, INSPI has opened an office within the Galapagos Science Center (GSC), located on San Cristóbal Island, creating a key space for collaboration between both institutions. This initiative begins in the Galapagos Islands with the goal of expanding to mainland Ecuador and internationally.
By signing this agreement, USFQ and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), through the Galapagos Science Center (GSC), reaffirm their commitment to biodiversity conservation and the well-being of island ecosystems. They also lead the strategic planning for the implementation of a Comprehensive Wildlife Health System in the Galapagos, an innovative model based on the One Health approach, which recognizes the connection between animal, environmental, and human health.
Through this collaboration, INSPI has established an office within the GSC Microbiology Laboratory. Both institutions will work together on projects related to infectious diseases, epidemiological monitoring and control, vaccines, and other key areas, utilizing advanced tools for the analysis of biological samples and geospatial data from the Galapagos.
The signing of this agreement and the opening of the INSPI office at the Galapagos Science Center mark a significant milestone for public health, wildlife research, and conservation in the islands. This partnership will facilitate ongoing knowledge exchange between GSC and INSPI experts.
Gulnara Borja Cabrera, Executive Director of INSPI, emphasized the importance of having an institutional presence in the Galapagos to improve response times to public health emergencies. “When new epidemiological outbreaks occur in Galapagos, a rapid response is crucial. With a technical office at the GSC, we will be able to respond quickly, develop joint research projects, and contribute to the quality control of hospital results on the islands,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Diego Quiroga, President of USFQ, highlighted the impact of this alliance on strengthening research in Ecuador. “This collaboration enhances the study of biodiversity, public health, and human-wildlife interactions. Working with INSPI in this space will contribute to generating knowledge that directly impacts health and conservation policies,” he affirmed.
Commitment to Research, Training, and Knowledge Exchange
Through this agreement, GSC and INSPI commit to:
- Developing research projects in areas of mutual interest.
- Sharing research findings and securing funding for their execution.
- Coordinating and participating in scientific events, conferences, and seminars to foster academic and technical exchange.
- Establishing institutional mechanisms for project implementation, student internships, and professional training.
- Providing access to relevant information for research initiatives.
- Offering theoretical and practical training for INSPI staff, along with technical support in laboratory management and operations.
Key Research Initiatives
The initial projects under this agreement will include:
- Epidemiological monitoring of infectious diseases in wildlife and humans in the Galapagos Islands.
- Development of biosafety protocols to prevent epidemiological outbreaks.
- Quality control of clinical results in Galapagos hospitals to ensure accurate diagnostics.
- Research on antimicrobial resistance in island ecosystems.
- Study of zoonotic diseases and their impact on public health and biodiversity.
This strategic alliance, launched in the Galapagos, aims to expand to mainland Ecuador and internationally, setting a precedent for inter-institutional cooperation in public health development. With this initiative, GSC and INSPI reaffirm their commitment to knowledge generation and improving the quality of life for Ecuadorian communities.
