Brazil and Argentina Join Talents for Nanotechnology Projects

Argentina and Brazil have launched a new, virtual nanotechnology center that will coordinate research done in both countries.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Néstor Kirchner, president of Argentina, signed the document to establish the Argentinean-Brazilian Nanotechnology center in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, on November 30.

The new center will follow the example of the Argentinean-Brazilian Biotechnology center, a success for the last two decades. It will operate virtually, bringing together nanotechnology research from groups working in Brazil and Argentina.

Using the science infrastructure of each country, the researchers intend to develop joint projects, raise human resources capacity, create interchange grants for researchers and organize activities. 

The center’s overall aim is to help the two countries become more competitive internationally.

"The scientific exchange between Brazil and Argentina already exists in nanoscience," says José Albuquerque de Castro, a researcher at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and a scientific consultant at the new center.

"What we expect now is effective interaction with the industry. The entrepreneurs have to be informed of what we are producing in order to invest more in research and development," he adds.

The center’s first activity was a seminar held in Buenos Aires on 28-29 November, before its official opening. The next meeting will take place in Brazil in March 2006.

Nanotechnology is a field of research that concerns itself with creating tiny technologies, invisible to the human eye.

Many believe it promises to offer cheaper, more reliable solutions to problems faced in developing countries. Examples include cheaper, more efficient water filtration systems and improved systems for drug-delivery.

This article appeared originally in Science and Development Network – www.scidev.net.

Tags:

You May Also Like

Dear Saudis, Play Safe, Bring Your Money to Brazil

If I were the Finance Minister of Saudi Arabia, I would be cashing in, ...

In Brazil, Sterilization Is the Best Pill

Registered sterilizations in the central-west of Brazil, the country’s new agriculture frontier, reach 59 ...

Saudis Have Oil for 140 Years, says Aramco Chief in Brazil

There is no reason to fear a shortage in oil supply. This is what ...

Brazil Goes to War Against Salt, Sugar and Trans Fats

It’s estimated that 30% of the Brazilian population has high blood pressure. To deal ...

Brazil Nabs 70 from Spyware and Phishing Scheme Gang

The latest operation by the Federal Police in Brazil was called Galacticos, the same ...

Brazilian Financial Market Applauds Tax Exemption for Foreigners

The President of Brazil’s National Association of Financial Market Institutions (ANDIMA), Alfredo Neves Penteado ...

Too Rich, Too Poor

In a list of 150 countries classified by the he Gini index—an indicator used ...

Brazil and Barbados Sign Technical and Cultural Agreements

Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Relations signs today, in Barbados, an agreement for cultural cooperation. ...

Brazil’s 2005 Plans: Beef to 150 Countries

Brazilian producers of cattle beef are going to continue expanding markets in 2005. The ...

Brazil Reinforces Presence in Haiti with 850 Troops

A force comprising 209 soldiers from various Army units in Northeast Brazil embarked for ...