During the 1st International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future,” the Commander-in-Chief’s role in creating scientific institutions, training personnel, and fostering cooperation between centers was underscored, consolidating Cuba’s status as a benchmark in public health and biotechnology.

Dr. Luis Herrera, one of the founders of the country’s biotechnology sector, recalled that as early as 1960, the leader posited that Cuba’s future had to be one of “men of science”—an idea that propelled scientific development.

From its inception, Cuban biotechnology was distinguished by institutional and regional collaboration, enabling it to gain international recognition in medicine and biotechnology and demonstrating that a country facing limitations can achieve world-class development, the researcher noted.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jose Luis Fernandez, creator of the SUMA technology (Ultramicroanalytical System), highlighted the leader’s impact on the country’s pharmaceutical industry.

He explained that this technology emerged between 1975 and 1980 at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNIC)—another institution born of Fidel Castro’s vision—in an effort to find a technique suited to the conditions of the Cuban health system, which provides coverage for the entire population.

The forum also highlighted the leader’s vision of applying biotechnology to agriculture and food production, as well as his commitment to training highly qualified health professionals, both domestic and international.

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