RCMI Program Director, Dr. Emma Fernández-Repollet, presented an overview of the initiative known as "Science City" to graduate students and faculty of the Biomedical Sciences on October 20, 2010. The presentation responded to an invitation made by the Association of Graduate Students whose members were interested in knowing the potential impact of this initiative in their professional careers.
Dr. Fernández-Repollet presentation included details regarding the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, the Knowledge Corridor, the Science City, the available research resources and the challenges and opportunities that these endeavors offer to current and future biomedical scientists.
As described by the Puerto Rico Science Technology and Research Trust, a non-profit entity which owns and manages this initiative, "the cutting-edge concept of the Science City is a state of the art enclave that integrates high-tech research and development facilities with commercial laboratories, an efficient transportation network, and vibrant urban neighborhoods". Science City is also part of the Knowledge Corridor which will strengthen and expand Puerto Rico's place in the global economy, attracting and retaining new scientific talent as well as generating capital and innovative ideas for use throughout the world . Construction of the Science City project will take place in stages and will last approximately 20 years.
In her presentation, Dr. Fernández-Repollet strengthened the research resources currently available at the UPR Medical Sciences and Rio Piedras campuses to sustain this visionary project. Outstanding students, quality faculty, multidisciplinary research groups, the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Molecular Sciences Complex, Translational Research Consortium where among those resources highlighted as key for making the Science City a reality.
A summary of the top jobs in science according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and a CNN Survey was also shared with students and faculty. According to these sources, medical science is one of the fastest growing fields in the nation. The importance of alliances among the academic, private and government sector; multidisciplinary research collaborations, and a global approach was emphasized for succeeding in biomedical research.
Millie L. González, President of the Association of Graduate Students in Biomedical Sciences, presented a plaque to Dr. Fernández-Repollet on behalf of the graduate students.
