24/10/2025
Technological transfer is one of the key objectives of our Programme.
Let's hear directly from Dr. William Calero Cáceres about how the UNU-BIOLAC fellowships achieve this:
"As part of the UNU-BIOLAC Fellowship 2023, I had the opportunity to receive training in bacterial genomics using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing at the laboratory of Dr. Laura Kamenetzky in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
This experience allowed me to implement the sequencing process from zero at UTA RAM One Health, strengthening the capacity of our laboratory at the Technical University of Ambato, Ecuador. Thanks to this achievement, we are now able to:
✅ Gain independence in obtaining whole-genome sequences (WGS) and characterize in situ the genomic data of pathogens within a One Health framework.
✅ Use these tools to analyze and design phage cocktails, supporting biocontrol and biotechnology innovation strategies.
✅ Explore environmental metagenomes and their role in health, agriculture, and the environment.
✅ Provide advanced training so that biotechnology students at UTA RAM can apply this cutting-edge technology in their professional practice.
The incorporation of Oxford Nanopore sequencing represents a transformative step for our group, enabling innovation in antimicrobial resistance surveillance, phage therapy, and the development of biobased products, with tangible impact at academic, industrial, and social levels.
I am deeply grateful to UNU-BIOLAC for its trust and support and for fostering scientific capacity in Latin America and the Caribbean."
Through , we're proud to spotlight the tangible contributions of the 国連大学 (United Nations University) to sustainable development, celebrate scientific achievement, and highlight how drive innovation one breakthrough at a time.
