Originally published November 4, 2015
The University of Texas at El Paso played an important role in an event designed to bridge the gap between U.S.-based scientists and Cuban-based scientists.
UTEP Professor Luis Echegoyen, Ph.D.; Professor Michael Chabinyc, Ph.D., of the University of California, Santa Barbara; and Professor Mark Thompson, Ph.D., of the University of Southern California, organized a symposium at the Cuban Chemical Society-sponsored 9th Congress of Chemical Sciences, Technology and Innovation — Quimicuba’ 2015.
The three professors came together through the National Science Foundation’s Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program – an alliance between UTEP and UCSB. This year’s meeting was one of the first major scientific conferences in Cuba to occur after the U.S. and Cuba made strides to begin to normalize diplomatic relationships. Researchers from around the world presented their research at Quimicuba’ 2015, which included topics such as next-generation solar cells, nano and supramolecular chemistry and biomaterials.
The symposium organized by the PREM alliance featured researchers involved in the UTEP-UCSB NSF PREM program and more than 25 scientists from around the world who specialize in organic photovoltaics.
The congress was held Oct. 13-16, 2015 in Havana, Cuba. The meeting served as an opportunity to promote and exchange knowledge related to the most recent advances in chemistry.
UTEP researchers including Echegoyen, Lourdes Echegoyen, Ph.D.; and Ph.D. candidate Danisha Rivera-Nazario were among those who presented at the congress. Luis Echegoyen was invited as one of Quimicuba’s plenary speakers. His talk covered molecules known as buckyballs – 60 carbon atoms fused together in a soccer ball shape. He also discussed new compounds that could potentially advance the efficiency of solar cells.
Luis Echegoyen said participating in Quimicuba’ 2015 was truly historic.
“This was the largest number of U.S. chemists participating in an event in Cuba since relations were severed 55 years ago,” he said.
While in Cuba, participants had the opportunity to socialize and explore the culture, history and idiosyncrasies of the country. Kimberly Salayandia, PREM coordinator, organized special activities to further establish a connection with Cuba and its culture. Salayandia also had the opportunity to meet with the students in Cuba to promote the programs offered at UTEP.