The Outreach and Education Nucleus of the Center for Research in Biology of Bacteria and Bacteriophages (CEPID B3), based at the Instituto de Química da Universidade de São Paulo (IQ-USP), launched the LigAção Ciência lecture series, an initiative aimed at promoting interdisciplinary dialogue in the field of microbiology. The project is carried out in partnership with basic and higher education institutions, such as the Instituto Federal de São Paulo (IFSP), and is coordinated by Rita Café Ferreira and Beny Spira, both professors at the ICB-USP and researchers at CEPID B3. The initiative has already held two editions in April and May, and the expectation is that the meetings, which are usually open to the public, will be held monthly, alternating between USP, Federal Institutes, and other institutions.

The debut of the series took place on April 16 at the Instituto Federal de São Paulo (IFSP). On that occasion, Robson Francisco de Souza and Eduardo Pereira Soares, also affiliated with ICB/USP and CEPID B3, presented part of their research and discussed the role of bioinformatics in the study of microbial diversity. “Diversity is what allows us to explore new possibilities for using these microorganisms,” said Souza during the event. Among the mentioned technological applications, with bioinformatics strategies as a backdrop, was the discovery of bacteria capable of degrading PET plastic bottles – a promising advance in addressing plastic pollution on the planet. 

“Our goal is to encourage interaction, critical thinking, and a broader, integrated view of the sciences”

At the beginning of May, the second meeting of the project welcomed the participation of about 30 students from the Biochemistry course at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM). In addition to attending lectures on protein biochemistry, viral particles, sustainability, and microbiology, the students also conducted technical visits to six ICB laboratories, where they learned about the facilities, Line of researchs, and available opportunities. “Our goal is to encourage interaction, critical thinking, and a broader, integrated view of the sciences,” explains Ferreira. 

Future meetings will follow a collaborative format. “We want to bring professors from the respective fields, undergraduate or graduate students who can share their work with other units,” says the coordinator. The dates and locations of future editions will be announced on the CEPID B3 website and social media, and the expectation is that most meetings will be open to the public.

Participations

Day 16/05/2025

Teachers Robson Francisco de Souza, ICB -USP e Dr. Flávio Kzyzanowski, IFSP

Students: Eduardo Pereira Soares, Lara Nardi Baroni e Nicole Gonçalves Picinin

Day 09/06/2025

Teachers: Cristiane Rodrigues Guzzo Carvalho, Gabriel Padilla Maldonato, José Gregório Cabreira Gomes Rita de Cássia Café Ferreira, Robson Francisco de Souza e Wellington Luiz de Araújo. 

Students: Bruna Rodrigues Corrêa ,Camila Caldas Martins Correia, Carolina Diorio Nastaro, Davi Gabriel Salustiano Merighi, Fábio Moura Cavalcante, Giovana Tarantini, Lara Nardi Baroni, Nicoli Gonçalves Picinin

Photos and videos Bianca Bosso e Bruna Rodrigues Corrêa