Three master’s and doctoral students from the Institute of Chemistry at Unicamp (IQ/Unicamp), accompanied by their advisor, Prof. Dr. Pedro Paulo Corbi, principal investigator at CEPID CancerThera, embarked on an academic journey to Havana, Cuba. They participated in the 9th Latin American Conference on Bioinorganic Chemistry (Labic), part of the 11th International Congress of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Engineering (Quimicuba 2024), held from November 4th to 8th.
Master’s students Francisco Mastrobuono Cordeiro de Almeida and Maria Paula Dias Carneiro Miguel, and Ph.D. student Gabriele de Menezzes Pereira traveled to Havana to present research conducted under CEPID CancerThera. Their work included studies on metal complexes with potential antitumor and antimicrobial applications.
Beyond exchanging experiences with other congress attendees, gaining both scientific and cultural knowledge, Corbi explains that participation in international events such as Labic is essential for young researchers’ academic careers. “In these spaces, students can meet great names in science in person, such as Prof. Dr. Peter Agre — Nobel Prize in Chemistry — who received an honorary doctorate from the University of Havana at the congress opening,” says the trio’s advisor. He emphasizes: “When they become professors, they will pass this knowledge on to future generations.”
Unfortunately, the event had to be canceled from the third day onward due to Hurricane Rafael, which damaged homes, toppled trees, and affected the country’s power grid. The students’ presentations were scheduled for November 7th.
University of Havana: a historical and cultural landmark
Despite the cancellation, the trip provided cultural and scientific exchange between the Brazilian delegation and local researchers. Francisco Almeida highlighted that “visiting the University of Havana and its beautiful structures was an unmatched experience.” He adds: “Research depends heavily on the place where it’s developed, and by visiting the university, I understood why Cuban science is so strong and how much value is placed on education there.”
The visit to the University of Havana, founded in 1728, was unanimously considered the highlight of the trip by the IQ/Unicamp students. Gabriele Pereira pointed out the institution’s 296-year history and said: “Despite limited resources, the university’s structure and history are remarkably well-preserved.”
Maria Paula Miguel added: “When we think of Cuba, we often imagine scarcity and lack of infrastructure, but visiting the country’s leading university showed us the opposite.” She also emphasized the beauty and excellent preservation of the facilities, which include comfortable, well-equipped rooms for presentations and meetings.
Scientific similarities and differences between Brazil and Cuba
The cultural exchange also allowed visitors to reflect on the similarities and differences between research conditions in both countries. Pereira noted differences in scientific operations and highlighted international collaboration as key to Cuban scientific progress: “In Brazil, we have access to top-tier resources and equipment, while in Cuba, science is carried out with available resources, often relying on external collaborations.” Almeida added that both countries share education as a strength, despite Brazil’s undervaluation of it.
Maria Paula highlighted the resilience, strength, and determination of both Cuban and Brazilian researchers: “Cuba faces financial challenges, but the country invests heavily in education and scientific research. Many Cuban researchers have international experience and produce work with solid scientific background. In Brazil, we don’t always have the best infrastructure for our research, but we still fight to deliver the best — something I also saw among Cuban researchers.”
“The students witnessed researchers from various countries and cultures gathered in one place, exchanging ideas and generating new knowledge. This shows that science overcomes differences and creates space for the common good,” said Pedro Corbi. The researcher also praised the Labic organizing team: “The dedication and commitment of Cuban researchers, both young and experienced, in organizing an event of this scale, despite structural difficulties, also deserves recognition.”
See some photos taken by the researchers during their visit to the University of Havana:
Text: Romulo Santana Osthues | Photos: Personal collection
