In 125 years, the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) has gone through and led major changes, both in science and health, as well as in its own institutional configuration.
In the 1st act of the Symposium IOC Jubilee 125 years, held in celebration of the anniversary, the director of the Institute, Tania Cremonini de Araujo-Jorge, analyzed this history, based on publications produced by researchers at the Institute, including management reports and thematic books.
The presentation, held on May 23, highlighted the Institute's 125-year history as "a story in three periods," marked by events that became turning points in the institution's trajectory.
Watch the full session:
From this perspective, the first period of action of the IOC corresponds to the years 1900 to 1970, from the creation of the institution until the closure of laboratories by the military dictatorship.
The second period refers to the period from 1970 to 2020, starting with the creation of the Fiocruz and following the Covid-19 emergency.
Beginning in 2020, the third period arrives at the present, marked by the lessons learned from the pandemic and considering the science agenda in view until 2050.
"This is a very emblematic and important moment we are in now. Today is the day we must prepare the institute for the future," Tania emphasized.
The director discussed the Institute's history based on bibliography produced by scientists who lived through the institution's various periods. Photo: Henrique Nobre
Milestones and strategies from each period were discussed throughout the presentation, which detailed transformations in the structure and organization of the IOC.
Considering the Institute's early days, Tania drew attention to the prestige it gained in its first years of operation and the autonomy granted to its management.
Created as the Federal Serum Therapy Institute in 1900, the organization was renamed in 1908 as the Manguinhos Experimental Pathology Institute and, soon after, as the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, in recognition of the achievements of the institution and its patron in science and public health.
Among the milestones of this stage, the director of IOC He cited the construction of a scientific school, including the training of scientists through the Application Course; major successes and discoveries, such as the identification of Chagas disease; the first expeditions to the interior of the country, which revealed the health scenario in Brazil; the development of the first vaccine to generate resources for the Institute, targeting the lameness disease, which affected cattle; and participation in the construction of national science.
Oswaldo Cruz using a microscope in the Manguinhos laboratory in 1910. Photo: J. Pinto/COC/F Collectioniocruzi
“It was 70 years well lived and of great contributions,” said Tania, also remembering services and outposts established by IOC, including structures that gave rise to new entities in public health and Fiocruz. For example: the branch of IOC in Belo Horizonte became the Ezequiel Dias Foundation, in Minas Gerais, and the Manguinhos Hospital gave rise to the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectology (INI/Fiocruz).
In the timeline drawn, the first phase of the action of the IOC was closed with the episode that became known as the 'Manguinhos massacre.' In 1970, ten researchers from the institution were dismissed by the military dictatorship, leading to the closure of research lines, interruption of student training, and losses in biological collections.
Also in 1970, the Oswaldo Cruz Institute Foundation (F) was created.iocruz), later renamed Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. The entity incorporated several public health agencies, including the IOC.
"There is confusion between the Institute and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. It is very important to know the IOC which was configured from 1970 onwards", Tania pointed out.
The director highlighted that the second half of the institutional trajectory was marked by the resistance of scientists who remained in the IOC, for the reconstruction and reparation of losses, which had as its most symbolic moment the reinstatement of the researchers who had been removed from office.
Among other facts, important achievements were remembered, such as the Institute's role in producing the vaccine used to eradicate smallpox, the new phase of postgraduate studies, its pioneering work in bioimaging and molecular biology, and its work in combating high-impact diseases such as dengue, HIV, polio, H1N1, Zika, and others.
Microscopy record during the unprecedented isolation of HIV in Brazil, in 1987. Image: Monika Barth/IOC
In the Brazilian context, Tania observed the demographic, epidemiological, and nutritional transitions, related, respectively, to the aging of the population and the rise in chronic diseases and obesity. At the same time, she noted that the country remains with a high burden of infectious diseases.
"We ended this period with overlapping agendas from the 20th and 21st centuries, facing emergencies and reemergences of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika," said Tania.
For the director, the magnitude of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic marked the beginning of a new phase in IOC.
Noting that the Institute has published more than 590 papers on Covid-19, Tania listed actions developed in response to the global emergency, such as genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, research on the disease and endemic diseases, remote teaching and work activities, creation of a plan for the safety of students and workers in face-to-face activities, launch of the technological innovation showcase, creation of a platform for educators, launch of documents on the research landscape in environment and health in IOC, in addition to the construction of two new platforms (NB3 and NBA3) and structuring of cooperation networks, among several other actions.
In 2020, before the first confirmation of SARS-Cov-2 in Brazil, the IOC provided training for professionals from nine Latin American countries to diagnose the disease. Photo: Gutemberg Brito
In the contemporary context of science and health, aspects such as the role of innovation and the production of vaccines and pharmaceuticals, the impact of inequality, the concepts of global health and One Health, the relevance of cooperation and the effects of climate change were highlighted, as well as scientific denialism, the lack of funding for science and the new global geopolitical order.
Comparing the strategies of IOC In each period, Tania drew attention to the role of studying vectors and microorganisms for the control, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as understanding the biomedical and social determinants of illnesses, in the first institutional phase.
In the second period, emphasis was placed on strengthening technical and postgraduate education; interaction between academia, services and the population; emphasis on primary care and health promotion; health reform and the creation of the Unified Health System (SUS); technological development; integration with F unitsiocruz; and national and international cooperation.
In the third period, the director focused on: interdisciplinarity and innovation; intensification of basic studies in pathophysiology, omics science, and precision medicine; strengthening national and international cooperation; and the formation and consolidation of research and innovation networks.
Commemorative medal for the Silver Jubilee of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute. Photo: Josué Damacena
Observing the current structure of the IOC, Tania highlighted that the unit houses research laboratories, technological platforms, Stricto and Lato sensu postgraduate programs, reference laboratories, outpatient clinics and biological collections, among other assets.
In addition, research centers were recently opened in Acre, Goiás, Ceará and in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, in the North of Rio de Janeiro, in partnership with IOC with local institutions.
The democratic process of reviewing the institutional profile was also highlighted as a milestone of the current moment.
The new version of the unit's mission, vision and values was published in April, after debate at the 7th Meeting of the IOC and voting in the Deliberative Council.
"The Institute's mission is to 'produce science and promote health for the benefit of society and the strengthening of the Unified Health System (SUS), through research, teaching, technological development, innovation, reference services, and biological collections," stated Tania, also commenting on the importance of the 15 approved values, which primarily focus on science and innovation in health as the foundation of environmentally sustainable socioeconomic development. "It's a robust set of interrelated values. These are values we've discussed extensively and which will guide our actions," said the director.
The 1st Act of the Symposium IOC The 125th anniversary jubilee took place from May 20 to 23, at the Emmanuel Dias Auditorium, Arthur Neiva Pavilion, on the Manguinhos campus of the University of São Paulo.iocruz, in Rio de Janeiro. The activities were broadcast on the IOC on Youtube.
In addition to delving into the institutional trajectory, the last day of the event featured important tributes.
Outsourced professionals with over 25 years of experience IOC were honored. Photo: Henrique Nobre
Twenty-two retired but still active employees were awarded the commemorative medal for the 125th anniversary of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute; 35 outsourced professionals with more than 25 years of experience in the field; IOC; 160 employees with over 25 years of experience at the Institute; and members of the Deliberative Council and Technical Chambers; in addition to other professionals who make a difference in the Unit's day-to-day activities.
The Marco Krieger Medal of Merit in Research and Innovation was also awarded to three scholarship holders of the Inova Program. IOC. In addition, the launch of the Institute's official Instagram profile (@iocfiocruz). Learn more about the event at special page of the Silver Secular Jubilee.
In 125 years, the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) has gone through and led major changes, both in science and health, as well as in its own institutional configuration.
In the 1st act of the Symposium IOC Jubilee 125 years, held in celebration of the anniversary, the director of the Institute, Tania Cremonini de Araujo-Jorge, analyzed this history, based on publications produced by researchers at the Institute, including management reports and thematic books.
The presentation, held on May 23, highlighted the Institute's 125-year history as "a story in three periods," marked by events that became turning points in the institution's trajectory.
Watch the full session:
From this perspective, the first period of action of the IOC corresponds to the years 1900 to 1970, from the creation of the institution until the closure of laboratories by the military dictatorship.
The second period refers to the period from 1970 to 2020, starting with the creation of the Fiocruz and following the Covid-19 emergency.
Beginning in 2020, the third period arrives at the present, marked by the lessons learned from the pandemic and considering the science agenda in view until 2050.
"This is a very emblematic and important moment we are in now. Today is the day we must prepare the institute for the future," Tania emphasized.
The director discussed the Institute's history based on bibliography produced by scientists who lived through the institution's various periods. Photo: Henrique Nobre
Milestones and strategies from each period were discussed throughout the presentation, which detailed transformations in the structure and organization of the IOC.
Considering the Institute's early days, Tania drew attention to the prestige it gained in its first years of operation and the autonomy granted to its management.
Created as the Federal Serum Therapy Institute in 1900, the organization was renamed in 1908 as the Manguinhos Experimental Pathology Institute and, soon after, as the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, in recognition of the achievements of the institution and its patron in science and public health.
Among the milestones of this stage, the director of IOC He cited the construction of a scientific school, including the training of scientists through the Application Course; major successes and discoveries, such as the identification of Chagas disease; the first expeditions to the interior of the country, which revealed the health scenario in Brazil; the development of the first vaccine to generate resources for the Institute, targeting the lameness disease, which affected cattle; and participation in the construction of national science.
Oswaldo Cruz using a microscope in the Manguinhos laboratory in 1910. Photo: J. Pinto/COC/F Collectioniocruzi
“It was 70 years well lived and of great contributions,” said Tania, also remembering services and outposts established by IOC, including structures that gave rise to new entities in public health and Fiocruz. For example: the branch of IOC in Belo Horizonte became the Ezequiel Dias Foundation, in Minas Gerais, and the Manguinhos Hospital gave rise to the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectology (INI/Fiocruz).
In the timeline drawn, the first phase of the action of the IOC was closed with the episode that became known as the 'Manguinhos massacre.' In 1970, ten researchers from the institution were dismissed by the military dictatorship, leading to the closure of research lines, interruption of student training, and losses in biological collections.
Also in 1970, the Oswaldo Cruz Institute Foundation (F) was created.iocruz), later renamed Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. The entity incorporated several public health agencies, including the IOC.
"There is confusion between the Institute and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. It is very important to know the IOC which was configured from 1970 onwards", Tania pointed out.
The director highlighted that the second half of the institutional trajectory was marked by the resistance of scientists who remained in the IOC, for the reconstruction and reparation of losses, which had as its most symbolic moment the reinstatement of the researchers who had been removed from office.
Among other facts, important achievements were remembered, such as the Institute's role in producing the vaccine used to eradicate smallpox, the new phase of postgraduate studies, its pioneering work in bioimaging and molecular biology, and its work in combating high-impact diseases such as dengue, HIV, polio, H1N1, Zika, and others.
Microscopy record during the unprecedented isolation of HIV in Brazil, in 1987. Image: Monika Barth/IOC
In the Brazilian context, Tania observed the demographic, epidemiological, and nutritional transitions, related, respectively, to the aging of the population and the rise in chronic diseases and obesity. At the same time, she noted that the country remains with a high burden of infectious diseases.
"We ended this period with overlapping agendas from the 20th and 21st centuries, facing emergencies and reemergences of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika," said Tania.
For the director, the magnitude of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic marked the beginning of a new phase in IOC.
Noting that the Institute has published more than 590 papers on Covid-19, Tania listed actions developed in response to the global emergency, such as genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, research on the disease and endemic diseases, remote teaching and work activities, creation of a plan for the safety of students and workers in face-to-face activities, launch of the technological innovation showcase, creation of a platform for educators, launch of documents on the research landscape in environment and health in IOC, in addition to the construction of two new platforms (NB3 and NBA3) and structuring of cooperation networks, among several other actions.
In 2020, before the first confirmation of SARS-Cov-2 in Brazil, the IOC provided training for professionals from nine Latin American countries to diagnose the disease. Photo: Gutemberg Brito
In the contemporary context of science and health, aspects such as the role of innovation and the production of vaccines and pharmaceuticals, the impact of inequality, the concepts of global health and One Health, the relevance of cooperation and the effects of climate change were highlighted, as well as scientific denialism, the lack of funding for science and the new global geopolitical order.
Comparing the strategies of IOC In each period, Tania drew attention to the role of studying vectors and microorganisms for the control, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as understanding the biomedical and social determinants of illnesses, in the first institutional phase.
In the second period, emphasis was placed on strengthening technical and postgraduate education; interaction between academia, services and the population; emphasis on primary care and health promotion; health reform and the creation of the Unified Health System (SUS); technological development; integration with F unitsiocruz; and national and international cooperation.
In the third period, the director focused on: interdisciplinarity and innovation; intensification of basic studies in pathophysiology, omics science, and precision medicine; strengthening national and international cooperation; and the formation and consolidation of research and innovation networks.
Commemorative medal for the Silver Jubilee of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute. Photo: Josué Damacena
Observing the current structure of the IOC, Tania highlighted that the unit houses research laboratories, technological platforms, Stricto and Lato sensu postgraduate programs, reference laboratories, outpatient clinics and biological collections, among other assets.
In addition, research centers were recently opened in Acre, Goiás, Ceará and in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, in the North of Rio de Janeiro, in partnership with IOC with local institutions.
The democratic process of reviewing the institutional profile was also highlighted as a milestone of the current moment.
The new version of the unit's mission, vision and values was published in April, after debate at the 7th Meeting of the IOC and voting in the Deliberative Council.
"The Institute's mission is to 'produce science and promote health for the benefit of society and the strengthening of the Unified Health System (SUS), through research, teaching, technological development, innovation, reference services, and biological collections," stated Tania, also commenting on the importance of the 15 approved values, which primarily focus on science and innovation in health as the foundation of environmentally sustainable socioeconomic development. "It's a robust set of interrelated values. These are values we've discussed extensively and which will guide our actions," said the director.
The 1st Act of the Symposium IOC The 125th anniversary jubilee took place from May 20 to 23, at the Emmanuel Dias Auditorium, Arthur Neiva Pavilion, on the Manguinhos campus of the University of São Paulo.iocruz, in Rio de Janeiro. The activities were broadcast on the IOC on Youtube.
In addition to delving into the institutional trajectory, the last day of the event featured important tributes.
Outsourced professionals with over 25 years of experience IOC were honored. Photo: Henrique Nobre
Twenty-two retired but still active employees were awarded the commemorative medal for the 125th anniversary of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute; 35 outsourced professionals with more than 25 years of experience in the field; IOC; 160 employees with over 25 years of experience at the Institute; and members of the Deliberative Council and Technical Chambers; in addition to other professionals who make a difference in the Unit's day-to-day activities.
The Marco Krieger Medal of Merit in Research and Innovation was also awarded to three scholarship holders of the Inova Program. IOC. In addition, the launch of the Institute's official Instagram profile (@iocfiocruz). Learn more about the event at special page of the Silver Secular Jubilee.
The non-profit reproduction of the text is allowed as long as the source is cited (Comunicação / Instituto Oswaldo Cruz)
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