The RECOPHARMA Workshop, held in Havana, began this Tuesday with the opening words of the Vice Rector of Management and Projects of the University of Havana, Dr. Maray, welcoming the members of the RECOPHARMA project, young university students and entrepreneurs of the Cuban biopharmaceutical industry, within the framework of the Saber-UH Symposium. This space favours the exchange between academics and companies for 42 guests.
Prof. Manuel Valiente gave an overview of the importance of the project and the success achieved. He emphasized that the project comprises 3 companies and 4 universities, with an essential role of each one, but that the contribution of the Cuban part has had a very positive impact. He emphasized that this type of project focuses on training through exchanges, which is significant in the senior’s multidirectional experience with the young people. Despite extending the project for another year because of COVID, it was possible to achieve excellent results. The installation of a waste treatment plant, and what is most valued is the learning of each one of the participants, knowing with whom we can continue and that integrally, the participants are in conditions to undertake new challenges.
A total of 15 papers were presented, 6 from the University of Havana, 2 from UAB, 2 from UNIUD, 1 from AERIS, 3 from Cuban biopharmaceutical companies, including CIDEM and 1 from the recycling company. The topics discussed were in various directions linked to pollution, the accumulation of toxic waste and the undertaking of new challenges.
UH and UAB showed their experiences through the project with results on the adsorption of metals such as copper and platinum, and the application of the methodology to platinum coordinating cytostatics such as cisplatin using different sorbents for their removal. UNIUD presented another sorbent used and its experience in cobalt separation. The UH also presented results in the methodology of printed polymers developed at ULUND and its current application to solve everyday problems within new Cuban projects. CIDEM showed the design and qualification aspects of the plant; work carried out between UAB, UH, CIDEM and AERIS.
The remaining papers were focused on complex situations where there are niches of projection of new ventures based on cleaner production and eco-innovation and paths solved with very innovative experiences such as the one represented by HIDROUSA of AERIS.
BioCubaFarma’s environmental specialist explained the main challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry regarding the discharge of pollutants into liquid waste.
Dr. Vilma, Director of the Project Foundation of the University of Havana, explained the origin and projection of this working group. The importance of training project managers from the academy and revolutionising the approach and paradigms to more successful projects.
He ended the day by calling for the demonstration of the RECOPHARMA plant at CIDEM.
Havana (Cuba), May 31, 2023
The session was held at CIDEM, with welcoming remarks by the General Director of CIDEM, Dr. Alejandro Saúl, who is also a member of the RECOPHARMA project. A visit was made to the showroom that frames the history and essential milestones of CIDEM, its growth from 1994 to date, its main lines of research and collaboration. A total of 19 guests were invited.
Led by MSc Abel Mondelo, a member of the RECOPHARMA project, the demonstration of the WWTP was carried out using silica gel and a colouring material as sorbent. It was possible to appreciate the basis of the process, the benefits of the
equipment and other aspects that can give value to the dynamic system presented by the plant. Several exchanges were made on the functionalities of the plant.
The session ended with a brief exchange with executives of the company CIDEM, MSc Lisandra, responsible for RECOPHARMA activities for CIDEM, Dr Oscar Prados for AERIS and UAB in the representation of Dr Montse Lopez, Dr Gustavo Perez and Dr Manuel Valiente. The main topics discussed were maintaining alliances between these organizations and seeking new innovative proposals for joint projects.
Follow our journey and stay updated on the latest advancements in wastewater treatment by visiting our project website at www.RECOPHARMA.eu. Remember to connect with us on LinkedIn and join the conversation on responsible water treatment! 💙🌱
#RECOPHARMA #wastewatertreatment #sustainability #circulareconomy#environmentalresearch #EUfundedproject