The University of San Jose (USJ) in Macau wants to help build a marine and environmental biotechnology base in the region connecting China and Portugal, the institution’s director told Luca.
In October, USJ established the Sino-Portuguese Joint Laboratory for Marine and Environmental Sciences in partnership with the Universidad Católica de Portugal (UCP), the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The director of the USJ Institute of Science and Environment said the project aims to “promote the development in Macau of a technology ‘hub’ related to blue and green biotechnology,” an area where “the China-Portugal partnership can bring good results.”
David Gonsalves noted that the goal is to ensure that research does not stop in the laboratory and achieves “the introduction of this innovation into the market” through connections with companies.
The biologist added that one of the future goals is to establish partnerships “with companies from China, Portugal and some companies that already exist in Macau to create a business network.”
Gonçalves said biotechnology is “an interesting area in which many small companies are emerging in Portugal today.”
The country has “pioneered a certain modern view of the ocean as a resource that needs to be exploited in a sustainable manner,” the researcher argues, citing investment in aquaculture as an example.
Portugal has taken “interesting steps” to designate protected areas within its exclusive economic zone, and China is “showing some interest” in marine research being carried out in the country, he said.
On the other hand, Gonçalves stressed, China is “extremely advanced” in monitoring global ocean processes and has “great technical sophistication” when it comes to research ships, underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles.
“Successful groups can be created here to research certain topics at sea,” said the president of the Association for Scientific Cooperation between China and Lusophone Countries in Macau.
Gonçalves cited the example of the spread of algae, “an issue that affects mainland Portugal,” as well as new techniques and methods to ensure aquaculture that is “in fact sustainable and allows the preservation of natural populations” of fish.
Another potential area of research is the exploration of biological resources that could have commercial uses ranging from the food industry to medicines, the biologist said.
“They can often not only be new molecules, but also add value to waste that exists in industries such as aquaculture,” Gonçalves added.
In connection with the new laboratory, USJ has already submitted plans for a degree in biotechnology to Macau’s education regulator, the Education and Youth Development Authority, according to the rector.
Stephen Morgan told Luca he hoped the degree, which will be offered in conjunction with UCP’s Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry, could begin in the 2024/2025 academic year.
The provost added that in September 2024, USJ should begin offering a dual degree, also in partnership with UCP, in environmental sciences.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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