Chancellor Sergio Lavanchy:
The University and the Biotechnology Forum

Sergio Lavanchy Merino was sworn in as Chancellor in May 1998. During his dministration, he has strengthened biotechnology research area, which meant first the creation of a program that would group the distinct groups working in these themes and then the creation of the Biotechnology Center. In the following interview, he explains why he has given such importance to the development of biotechnology research and its relation with the Bio Bio region.

This Forum is a good opportunity to demonstrate who we are. How would you define the University that you preside?

We are a University that, for its public service vocation, is interested in contributing to the region and the country, providing education in a complete spectrum of fields, both basic and applied, and fulfilling our duty to spread culture. We have great projects for the future, but the most important is that quality be present in all our work.

How do you perceive the development of Biotechnology from the
University?

The biotechnology is a discipline that, for the impact of its applications, merits a high priority in our research activities. Consequent with this, the University initiated, first with the creation of the Biotechnology Program and then with the Biotechnology Center, a plan designed to stimulate the work carried out by our academics in this field.

The support of the Regional Government and the Innova-Bío Bío Program has been very important part of our effort. The results have been very positive, and we need to continue working to ensure that our biotechnology research counts with international recognition and produces positive impacts on both regional and national development.

Chancellor, finally a few words with respect to the Forum.

This Forum provides an excellent opportunity to analyze the development of this discipline, and in particular the impact it will have on our lives. In this sense, the theme of this meeting“ Can Biotechnology benefit the developing world?” seems very appropriate.

The participation of the scientific, public and private worlds ensures that the Forum will generate relevant conclusions to define policies with respect to this discipline. The great level of the presenters assures the achievement of these objectives.

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the institutions that with great effort have worked making this initiative an international event, especially the Foreign Ministry, the Regional Government, the UNIDO as well as those individuals from within our University.

Finally, in the name of the Universidad de Concepción, I would specially like to greet our visitors, and especially those who have made a long voyage to be here in this Forum.