UNIBE and ICGEB sign Agreement to Conduct COVID-19 Research

Johanne Peña Arias, Min. Couns., Academic, Technical and Scientific Cooperation, Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Rome, Italy, regularly attends the ICGEB annual Board of Governors session as Observer for the Domincan Republic

The ICGEB has signed a cooperation agreement with the Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) of the Dominican Republic to promote bilateral collaboration.

The agreement was signed thanks to the Science Diplomacy programme promoted by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – MIREX and the Dominican Embassy in Italy. Through this programme, MIREX was able to connect scientists at both institutions and foster bilateral collaboration.

Both institutions will undertake molecular analyses of SARS-CoV-2 in a series of studies and capacity building activities that will also allow the Dominican Republic to strengthen its research capacity through UNIBE. The institutions have prioritised a study of genetic sequencing of the virus, which will be crucial in supporting scientific efforts to develop a vaccine. UNIBE is the first Dominican university to join ICGEB.

UNIBE is a university established in 1982 and recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. UNIBE is a national leader in research in health and behavioral sciences.

The Dominican Republic is a signatory member of ICGEB since 2005 and is looking forward to becoming a full member this year.

Further reading:

Official Joint Press Release (English and Spanish)

UNIBE y el ICGEB firman acuerdo para realizar investigaciones sobre COVID-19