03/02/2025
The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) and the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) signed a General Agreement on Scientific Cooperation with the aim of establishing a framework for the development of collaborative programs and projects that strengthen cooperation in scientific research and development. The agreement was signed by the national secretary of Senacyt, Dr. Eduardo Ortega Barría and the president of the Cnr, Prof. Maria Chiara Carrozza.
“Senacyt's commitment is to position Panama as a regional leader in science, technology and innovation. These types of partnerships with renowned institutions affiliated with Italy's CNR are essential to integrate the country into advanced sectors, attract capacities and generate economic and social impact. Areas of common interest will be explored, with an emphasis on capacity building in semiconductors. Other disciplines of interest are: critical and emerging technologies, physical sciences and materials technologies, biomedical sciences, environmental and earth sciences, physics and matter, chemistry and materials technology, among others”, said Dr. Ortega Barría.
Professor Carrozza, from the Cnr, underlined the importance of the agreement as a key step to strengthen scientific ties between Italy and Panama. "The signing of the General Agreement on Scientific Cooperation between the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) and Senacyt of Panama represents an important step forward in the strengthening of scientific collaboration between the two countries. This agreement will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, researcher and best practices, promoting joint projects that address global challenges and foster innovation and technological development. For both countries, this partnership is an opportunity to enhance scientific capabilities, support research excellence, and create new growth opportunities for young scholars. Bilateral cooperation will make it possible to address crucial issues such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity and technological development, drawing on available expertise and research infrastructures. Thanks to this agreement, Panamanian researchers will be able to collaborate with the numerous institutes of the CNR, which cover a wide range of scientific disciplines and offer state-of-the-art facilities for research and innovation. This will foster the development of new synergies and strengthen ties between the scientific communities of both countries."
Through this alliance, which will last for six years, the aim is to promote joint research projects, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between scientists and specialists, as well as encourage the transfer of technology and the implementation of innovative solutions. The agreement opens the door to the creation of international collaboration networks, the training of highly qualified talent and the strengthening of the country's innovation ecosystem, contributing to technological advancement and sustainable development.
Italian researchers will be able to collaborate with Panamanian institutions and participate in joint projects, focused on areas of knowledge or scientific production that they identify in the national institutions and that are of interest to the counterpart.
Senacyt could benefit from calls for scholarships, opportunities for researchers in the R&D area, and for the strengthening of public interest associations such as Indicasat, Indicatic, Cenamep, Coiba AIP, Cieps, Infoplazas, Cipac, C-Tasc, Crivb, Idiap, the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, among other research centers that collaborate with Senacyt, and the academy. Specific benefits must be agreed upon through other specific agreements that must define the details of any collaboration that arises between a center in Panama and one in Italy.
Other cooperation activities include congresses, forums, conferences, workshops, seminars, site visits, talks, scientific dissemination and networking events.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Panama, Fabrizio Nicoletti, who noted: “The signing of this general agreement for scientific cooperation between the Italian National Research Council (CNR) and the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) is the result of a shared commitment to foster research and innovation, which has been cultivated through key initiatives such as the Apanac 2023 Congress and the Iestec 2024 Conference, where high-level Italian scientific delegations contributed significantly to the discussions.
This agreement will facilitate joint research projects, the exchange of researchers and experts, and the development of new opportunities for scientific and technological cooperation. It will also create a structured framework for evaluating and selecting research proposals of mutual interest, ensuring the highest scientific standards. Furthermore, considering Panama’s emerging role in strategic sectors, such as semiconductors and microelectronics, this agreement provides a solid basis for exploring new areas of collaboration, including artificial intelligence and sustainable innovation. The Embassy of Italy in Panama is proud to support and promote this partnership, which will not only strengthen the ties between our two nations but will also contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and global technological progress”.
The event also included interventions by representatives of scientific and technological institutions in Panama and the Italian scientific sector.
About Senacyt: The National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) is an autonomous institution whose mission is to transform science and technology into tools for the sustainable development of Panama. Our projects and programs are focused on promoting the scientific and technological development of the country and thus, closing the gap of inequality and promoting equitable development that improves the quality of life of Panamanians.
Ufficio stampa:
Francesca Gorini
Cnr Press Office
francesca.gorini@cnr.it
Responsabile Unità Ufficio stampa:
Emanuele Guerrini
emanuele.guerrini@cnr.it
ufficiostampa@cnr.it
06 4993 3383
Vedi anche:
- The SENACyT press release
- The video on the Senacyt YouTube channel
- Verso nuove alleanze scientifiche: al SENACyT di Panama l'incontro per la firma dell'accordo quadro di collaborazione (Galleria del 4/2/2025, Cnr.it)
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