• Submitted by: Luis Manuel Mazorra
• Science and Technology
• 12 / 16 / 2011

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The scientific possibilities of Cuba were recognized by American experts who advocate establish partnerships in science as it ensures that Cuba and the U.S. have muj projections and interests in common, and that a synergism between scientists of both nations will give very good results.

Vaughan C. Turekian, director of the office of international affairs at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), said that priorities are identified, potential and opportunities, particularly in life sciences, marine and environmental issues.

We identify areas of work, continue ongoing studies, and for that we held a meeting between experts of both nations met for three days in Havana to explore issues of education and labor relations, said.

He acknowledged that there are objective barriers that prevent a better relationship between the two peoples, and obstacles to overcome to carry out joint investigations.

Plenty to do, and indeed already is, Cuban scientists have a high level of expertise and together we can advance the issues of interest, he said.

For his part, Mark Rasenick, Professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago, highlighted the strengths of Cuban science, particularly neuroscience, and security to establish points of contact with specialists of the island.

"I came to this meeting with the expectation of organizing at least one frame in which we could realize our ideas, but this was overcome in many ways," he said.

"The collaboration that we can begin, the success resulting from these actions will benefit both peoples," Rasenick said, who nevertheless acknowledged the political and fiscal obstacles imposed by the U.S. government.

"Anyway, science is a good field to build bridges, because scientists do not recognize boundaries, the only limits are recognized to build new knowledge, and transcending those limits succeed in establishing the foundation to overcome that," he acknowledged.

During three days 40 experts from Cuba and the United States to work towards a sustainable partnership between the two countries whose governments do not have diplomatic relations since the breakup of White House ties with Havana in 1961.

For the organizers it is a consultation between representatives of scientific communities and included specialized sessions to discuss specific projects in order to integrate a report on the possibilities of working together.