(Front left to right) Gabriel Britton, principal investigator at the INDICASAT-AIP Neuroscience Center. Dr. Eduardo Ortega-Barría, SENACYT National Secretary. Mari Carmen Aponte, U.S. Ambassador to Panama; Eugenia Flores Millender, founding co-director of CPSHE and associate professor in the College of Nursing. Luisa Bremman, FSU Interim Director of International Programs. (From left to right) Carlos Langoni, FSU Panama President; Stephen McDowell, FSU Assistant Provost for International Initiatives. and Rick Barnett, FSU vice provost and chief strategy officer.
Florida State University’s Center for Health Equity and Population Sciences (CPSHE) recently hosted the Global Health Equity and STEM Research Summit in the Republic of Panama to foster collaboration between Panamanian and U.S. researchers, educators, and policy makers.
The summit, held from October 14 to 18 at the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) in the City of Knowledge, Panama City, Panama, was an important partnership between FSU and regional institutions such as the Panama Institute of Science. emphasized. Research and Advanced Technology Services (INDICASAT-AIP) and Gorgas Memorial Health Research Institute.
The summit focuses on sustainable solutions in Panama and beyond, and builds a global research network that enables scientists and communities to advance innovative advances in health equity, STEM fields, and education. was intended to. The summit laid the groundwork for international teams to work on impactful projects, including pilot studies, grant proposals, and community initiatives, through cross-cultural collaboration, mentorship programs, and student engagement.
“At Florida State University, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “FSU has a rich history spanning more than 60 years in the Republic of Panama, and this summit is a testament to our commitment to advancing international and STEM education and addressing global health challenges.”
Long-standing partnership and key collaborators
This summit built on the presence that FSU has maintained in Panama for the past 67 years. FSU first arrived in the region in 1957 through a contract agreement with the U.S. military to establish an education center in the former Panama Canal Zone. FSU Panama became a degree-granting branch of FSU in 1967 and moved to its new current location in Knowledge City in 2009. In 2014, FSU Panama was accredited to offer a master’s degree in international affairs. Currently, it is within FSU’s international program.
“This summit was a great opportunity to bring together leaders, administrators, and researchers from Panama and FSU’s various participating institutions and build partnerships that will ultimately benefit FSU and the country of Panama.”FSU Panama said Dean Carlos Langoni.
The summit was a collaboration between Eugenia Flores Millender, founding co-director of CPSHE and associate professor in the College of Nursing, and prominent Panamanian researchers such as Gabriel Britton and Amanda Gubster, principal investigators at the INDICASAT-AIP Neuroscience Center. This was achieved through established relationships. , a leading researcher in HIV and epidemiology at Gorgas Memorial Health Research Institute. Their partnership helped organize the summit to strengthen international research networks and deepen existing relationships that continue to evolve.
Eugenia Flores Millender, founding co-director of CPSHE and associate professor in the College of Nursing, spoke to attendees at the Global Health Equity and STEM Research Summit in Panama.
Despite leaving the country at age 12, Millender has a lifelong connection to his native Panama. In 2017, Millender decided to bridge the gap between FSU and the Panamanian research community. Her goal was to understand the scientific developments occurring in Panama and create opportunities for collaborative research by connecting FSU scientists with national scientists.
Driven by Panama’s deep commitment to improving science and health, Mr. Millender saw the strength of strategic alliances as key to attracting funding and fostering impactful research projects. She has played a pivotal role in strengthening university partnerships in the region and advancing common goals in health equity and STEM.
“The strength of this summit is the ability to build long-term cross-border research relationships,” said Millender, who is also co-chair of the summit. “Together, we leveraged our collective expertise and commitment to equity to tackle pressing global health challenges.”
FSU Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Rick Barnett and Assistant Provost for International Initiatives Stephen McDowell also attended the summit. Their presence highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering meaningful academic and strategic partnerships in the region and reflected FSU’s dedication to advancing global health equity through collaborative research initiatives.
FSU Assistant Provost for International Initiatives Stephen McDowell spoke to attendees at the Global Health Equity and STEM Research Summit in Panama. FSU Vice Chancellor and Chief Strategy Officer Rick Barnett spoke to attendees at the Global Health Equity and STEM Research Summit in Panama.
“This summit was a unique opportunity for Florida State University to deepen our partnership in Panama,” said Professor Barnett. “It is clear that our presence here offers something unique that distinguishes FSU from other institutions and allows us to replicate and expand our research in different cultural contexts. As we move forward, we will continue to focus on international relations, building on the strong foundations already in place, repeating what is already working, and fostering trust. It’s about creating lasting and impactful collaborations.”
Keynote speakers and distinguished guests
The summit welcomed a group of prominent figures from both Panama and the United States, including the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Mari Carmen Aponte. Dr. Blas Armian, Director of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health (MINSA); Jorge Arosemena, Chairman of the City of Knowledge; Dr. Julio Sandoval, Medical Advisor to the Minister of Health of Panama; Dr. Lysette Chan, Country Director, CDC Central America and Caribbean Office; Michael Chen, former vice presidential candidate of Panama and former president of the Colon Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Dr. Ricardo Leonardo, Director of INDICASAT-AIP. and Dr. Eduardo Ortega Barria, SENACYT National Secretary.
Their participation enriched the event with a wide range of perspectives that addressed the complexities of strategic partnerships that advance health equity, infectious diseases, STEM education, and sustainable development.
City of Knowledge President Jorge Arosemena addresses attendees at the Global Health Equity and STEM Research Summit in Panama. Dr. Julio Sandoval, Medical Advisor to the Minister of Health of Panama, addressed attendees at the Global Health Equity and STEM Research Summit in Panama. SENACYT National Secretary Dr. Eduardo Ortega Barria addresses attendees at the Global Health Equity and STEM Research Summit in Panama. U.S. Ambassador to Panama Mari Carmen Aponte addresses attendees at the Global Health Equity and STEM Research Summit in Panama. Dedicated Agenda Innovation and Impact
The summit featured a series of panel discussions, workshops, and research presentations focused on important themes such as health equity, infectious disease threats, STEM education, and scientific advancement. Key sessions included discussions on policy and research trends, innovative approaches to addressing public health challenges, and the role of education in closing health disparities.
FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Dean Suvranu De attended the summit in support of STEM education and innovation. He emphasized the importance of the summit in promoting STEM education and research in Panama, noting that it enabled the joint colleges to directly engage with Panamanian students and institutions, strengthen educational pathways and foster research partnerships. did.
“When we joined the company, we had three goals: to better serve Panamanian undergraduate students, to explore educational avenues for the current workforce, and to pursue Ph.D. It’s about hiring the best talent for the program,” De said.
De also mentioned the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and highlighted the potential for cooperation in areas aligned with U.S. and Panama national priorities, including nearshore opportunities in energy, transportation, and chip manufacturing. He expressed optimism for a two-way partnership that positions FSU as a leader in international research and higher education and can strengthen STEM innovation in both Panama and the United States.
Supporting Panama’s strategic development goals
Through the collaborative efforts launched at the summit, research institutions from both countries aimed to accelerate advances in health, science and technology. By engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, research institutions, and educators, the event fostered meaningful change and supported the sustainable development of health and STEM sectors in Panama and beyond.
For more information about the International Health Equity and STEM Research Summit, please contact Emily Stewart, CPSHE Program Manager, at estewart5@fsu.edu.
About the Center for Population Sciences for Health Equity (CPSHE) at Florida State University
CPSHE at Florida State University is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research that addresses health disparities and promotes equity in health care access and outcomes. Through partnerships with institutions around the world, CPSHE uses population science principles and tools to advance health equity among marginalized, underserved, and vulnerable populations at home and abroad. We strive to use the community to lead and implement scientific and operational research and practice that engages communities.
