As part of the prestigious UNESCO-TWAS Visiting Expert Programme, Dr. María Emilia Brassesco, researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, carried out a two-week academic mission at Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, from March 24th to April 4th, 2025.

During her stay, María Emilia Brassesco delivered two intensive training courses and a keynote lecture:

• A course for undergraduate students on the extraction of proteins and bioactive compounds from natural sources, focused on peptides and their applications. The course included theoretical and hands-on sessions, and culminated in group presentations where students proposed innovative bioprocess solutions.
  Participants: 22 students
  Duration: 10 academic hours (2 hours/day for 5 days)
  Mode: On-site
• A course for university professors aimed at strengthening academic research strategies and practical skills in protein extraction methods.                                          
  Participants: 16 professors
  Duration: 6 academic hours (2 hours/day for 3 days)
  Mode: On-site
• A keynote lecture entitled "Innovation and collaboration in biotechnology: The CBQF model", which highlighted the role of international partnerships and cutting-edge biotechnological research.
  Audience: Broader academic community of UCB
  Duration: 1.5 hours
  Mode: On-site

Beyond her teaching activities, María Emilia Brassesco also held a meeting with Mr. Oscar Ortiz, Rector of the Santa Cruz Campus of UCB, to explore opportunities for future collaborations between both institutions. Discussions centered on possible joint research initiatives and academic exchange programs.

This visit marks an important step toward strengthening international academic cooperation in biotechnology and underlines UCP’s commitment to global knowledge sharing and impact.