From October 20 to 24, CIDEM received the visit of French researchers PhD. Christelle Langevin and PhD. Dimitri Rigaudeau, from the French National Institute for Research on Food, Agriculture and the Environment (INRAE). This visit was the final result of CIDEM’s participation in the “Program to support French-Cuban scientific projects 2025”, sponsored by the French Embassy in our country.

The main objectives of this visit were focused on:

• The generation of new knowledge, practical application and demonstration of the usefulness of zebrafish as a bioindicator.
• Strengthen international collaboration through the development of joint actions and establishment of alliances between institutions of both countries.
• Contribute to the training, improvement and qualification of CIDEM’s technical and professional personnel.
• Promote the application of science in different sectors such as agriculture and livestock to contribute to its efficiency and quality.

During the visit, several valuable exchanges were held with the board of directors of our company and with a group of researchers and specialists, particularly from the Experimental Neuropharmacology Department and Zebra Fish Laboratory. A technical meeting was also held with executives and specialists of the Shrimp Farming Company (ECCAM),  entity with which CIDEM has collaboration projects, with the purpose of evaluating the use of Zebrafish as biomodels in ecotoxicological studies of shrimp farming areas, as well as the possible application of Cuban natural products to improve the performance and productivity of this sector.

All the objectives foreseen during the visit were achieved, which also served as a significant step to consolidate collaboration relations of greater scope and impact between INRAE and CIDEM. As part of the visit, researchers, specialists and directors of CIDEM and INRAE experts met with Mr. Olivier Giron, Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Action of the French Embassy in Cuba.