Letter from Clara Lima, co-organizer of the YRI event
Porto 15th May 2024
Dear OneHealthdrugs colleagues and friends and promising generation of young researchers and innovators,
As we draw near the conclusion of this enlightening scientific meeting, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all our distinguished speakers, chairs, and attendees for their invaluable contributions and active participation.
It´s not enough to thank the efforts of the local organizing committee, and our sincere thanks to Joana Tavares, Anabela Cordeio da Silva, Ana Tomás and the i3S events team, and all of those who supported the Scientific Commission involved in the preparation of this event. We thank Professor Paola Costi for her endless enthusiam and dedication to OneHealthdrugsCOST Action.
Our two-day journey through the realms of science, technology, and innovation behind drug development for PVBDs has been nothing short of inspiring. We have reinforced the urgency to extend the portfolio of drugs used in the fight against PVBDs and absolute need to consider a change of the current paradigms of drug discovery and development, towards a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account innovation, drug efficiency and safety, environmental protection and safeguard of all ecosystems.
During this workshop we have learned from colleagues and experts in the field how, the current work on alternative methods to replace animal models and renew 3R principles in animal experimentation, advancements in chemistry synthesis and ecotoxicological testing, besides the proof of concept that research institutions can adopt measures to reduce their carbon footprint, have move from being utopic projects to real promising perspectives for a greener and safer future.
In this scenario, we also foresee extended career opportunities for younger generations of researchers in the fields of biomedical research and drug discovery.
In this sense, we hope to have contributed to strengthen the foundations of YRI future careers in this field, highlighting the role of ethics and integrity in scientific production, and some insights on practical strategies that can be implemented in the process of exploring and planning a future in academia, industry and research.
In closing, let us carry forward the spirit of innovation and scientific inquiry to establish research collaborations for innovation in drug development and fuel a more sustainable future for all of those who depend on medicinal products to fight parasitic vector borne diseases.
Thank you once again to everyone who made this event possible, and we wish you all continued success in your research.
Safe travels and until we meet again.
Thank you.
Clara
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