From Manguinhos to the world. The year 2024 of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) was marked by research results that made headlines throughout Brazil, both those developed at the Unit and those in partnership with in-house scientists.
The pioneering study that identified contamination of sharks for cocaine in Rio de Janeiro achieved international impact. Also in an unprecedented way, the Institute led clinical studies for a leprosy vaccine, which will soon begin testing in Brazil. The country occupies the sad position of having the second highest number of cases in the world.
Research that identified the presence of cocaine in sharks' bodies was featured in a variety of national and international media outlets. Photos: internet reproduction
On another front, experts have raised the alarm about the increase in new cases of HIV infection among young men who have sex with men (a group known as 'young MSM'). At the same time, they formed a partnership in the search to make the production of 3D bioprinter low-cost for the production of biological tissues. The material used for construction is surprising: scrap.
In addition, scientists at the Institute have opened doors to the development of new treatments for schistosomiasis, contributed to the description of new species of fish parasites and joined a project that seeks to establish information systems to support populations of Brazil and Africa in response to environmental changes.
Vector research, One Health and 3D tissue production: scientists have worked hard to improve population health
In epidemiological investigation and laboratory surveillance work, the presence of the worm that causes eosinophilic meningitis in snails and rats in Baixada Fluminense. Faced with an emerging arbovirus in the country, the Institute dedicated efforts to Oropouche, including the first diagnosis of a patient in Rio de Janeiro, a case of vertical transmission in a fetus in Ceara and the description of the virus lineage associated with the outbreak in the Amazon region.
Already at the forefront of studies on the mosquito involved in the virus transmission cycle, they developed guidelines for surveillance of maruins and offered an online course to prepare local health services for the identification of this vector.
Notoriety: the Institute's work was recognized by the Ministry of Health and PAHO and the scientist was part of the pre-G20 summit
The scientific prestige of the Institute gained expression in two important episodes: in the participation of a researcher in the engagement summit for science and technology of the G20 and in the recognition by the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization of the contributions to the reconquest of the certificate of measles elimination in national territory.
Two words accurately illustrate many of the actions that marked 2024 IOC: cooperation and internationalization.
The year had barely begun and delegation of the Institute was ready in Brasília to fulfill an intense agenda of coordination with several partners from the Ministries of Health, Science, Technology and Innovation and Education.
Meetings with the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) were also held. institutional agenda. The result of these articulations is expressed in the SCHEDULE to stimulate the internalization of research and training of human resources in postgraduate studies, recently launched by the Federal Government.
Strengthening strategic collaborations to combat communicable diseases, with an emphasis on those considered neglected, was the topic of a visit by representatives of Ministry of Health to the Institute's facilities.
Research projects on climate, health and biodiversity were among the highlights of the year
To strengthen integration with the Central-West region, the IOC inaugurated the Center for Studies and Research in Comprehensive Health Care and Surveillance of Chagas Disease (CEPAV-Chagas). The space, created in partnership with the Municipal Government of Posse (Goiás), aims to promote studies on Chagas disease, in addition to offering diagnosis, support and treatment for people affected by the disease.
Moving north, another new development: the Center for Studies and Research on Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Change (Cepab-Climate) was structured in Acre to support projects and actions focused on the Amazon region. The expectation is that the new space, the result of a partnership with the Federal Institute of Acre (Ifac), will house qualification courses and a postgraduate program.
In the same state, the IOC discussed advances in cooperation with renowned local institutions to establish partnerships in teaching, health research and disease diagnosis.
The climate and environment theme was also on the agenda in the integration with the Southeast, through an agreement signed with the city of Niterói (RJ) to climate education. The initiative will enable the participatory construction of a program to raise awareness and qualify on the subject.
Inside and outside Brazil, cooperation and internationalization actions total dozens of activities
In the capital of Rio de Janeiro, a professional qualification course in critical environmental education was held aimed at female leaders community groups working in vulnerable areas in Rio de Janeiro. In partnership with the City of Rio, the project values and empowers women from different parts of the city, in addition to contributing to the preservation of the Atlantic Forest.
In projects coordinated with the Pró-Saber Institute, dedicated to training teachers who work in daycare centers in communities in Rio de Janeiro, cooperation agreements were established in extension activities through the Program IOC + Schools and the Science, Art and Citizenship network. Talks have also begun for a partnership in a project to build a open air museum which articulates integral ecology, art, science and education.
And, in yet another year, the ties of cooperation between Brazil and Africa were strengthened. Cooperation actions were carried out with the National Institute of Health (INS) of Mozambique, an agency linked to the local Ministry of Health, in the areas of bioinformatics – with a course on RNAseq data analysis, genome assembly and phylogenetic analysis – and communication – with training of spokespersons and consultants.
Continuing the flight over foreign lands, the Institute's Postgraduate Programs were responsible for organizing or co-organizing more than a dozen courses with international scope, which contributed to the exchange of knowledge between professors, students and researchers from renowned institutions.
From here to there and from there to here: international courses promoted exchanges between teachers and students from various countries
Na Spain, for example, a workshop was held on parasite spillover modeling. Already in Paraguay an event was held on collaborative strategies for global health, while in Argentina a course on drug design was offered.
On the other hand, scientists of various nationalities landed in Brazil. Here, courses were held on single-cell transcriptomics, mental health care after the Covid-19 pandemic, immune functions, mucosal immunology, ecology and modeling of wildlife diseases. identification of mosquito vectors, articulation of games with health and education, academic mobility, writing and scientific evaluation and neurological infectious diseases.
In addition to the high scientific level of the international courses offered, the Oswaldo Cruz Institute's teaching had other reasons to celebrate.
Os Vacation Courses have reached the remarkable milestone of 30 editions, with a significant impact on the careers and lives of more than 2.800 undergraduate students from Brazilian public and private universities. Postgraduate Week reached its 10th edition marked by themes that directly impact the daily lives of students.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Cellular and Molecular Biology celebrated 35 years of creation, with the excellent training of more than 1.430 masters and doctors. And the Postgraduate Course in Teaching in BiocSciences and Health celebrated 20 years of activities, with more than 300 degrees completed.
In 2024, Education in IOC had many reasons to celebrate
Em Rondônia, a consortium with the participation of five Postgraduate programs of the IOC was responsible for training eleven new doctors in the state.
No Amapá, the Institute established the first understandings for establishing partnerships with the Federal University and the local Federal Institute, with the goal of expanding the training of doctors in the state.
In the neighbor Roraima, the Interinstitutional Doctoral Program (Dinter) coordinated by the Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine began. This initiative focuses on training doctors, nurses, biologists, biomedical scientists and physical educators.
An unprecedented doctorate promoted by the Postgraduate Program in Education in BiocSciences and Health will enable professionals in the Piaui develop skills for higher education teaching and new methodologies and products for education and scientific dissemination.
The Postgraduate Program in Vector Surveillance and Control offered a master's degree course to professionals working in the public health service. Minas Gerais.
On the front lines of public health responses, the IOC worked on strategic actions at municipal, state, federal and international levels.
With the support of global organizations and entities, the Institute contributed to the formulation of policies pandemic preparedness, became part of the network for coronavirus surveillance and organized training to predict the emergence of viral variants.
The Institute has integrated several surveillance projects, always ready to respond to current and potential public health problems
In partnership with the Ministry of Health, specialists participated in a workshop to develop an action plan in arboviruses, carried out training in sequencing resistant bacteria to antibiotics and acting in biosafety level 3 laboratories.
They also led the creation of a platform dedicated to monitoring antimicrobial resistance in Brazil and implemented a methodology for detecting areas with higher risk of transmission of Chagas disease.
With health departments spread across the country, it was possible to create a panel for arbovirus surveillance, create an online tool for identifying Chagas vectors and carry out training of health professionals in malacology.
Throughout the year, teams from the Institute joined task forces in health promotion initiatives, with emphasis on sending of supplies for the diagnosis of leptospirosis in Rio Grande do Sul, in support of the response to the tragedy caused by heavy rains in the region.
It was also developed free online course about the disease, infographic about the Leptospira bacteria and guidelines of prevention of pediculosis in shelters, due to the crowding of homeless and displaced people.
O Program IOC + Schools promoted science education, health promotion and scientific dissemination in several public schools of education in the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Contributing to health emergencies or taking science to schools and squares: there were researchers and students from IOC
In response to the high incidence of dengue cases in Brazil in 2024, the Institute prepared a infographic with mosquito characteristics Aedes aegypti and compiled on one page several products and initiatives about the vector to facilitate the sharing reliable information.
The outpatient clinics for care viral hepatitis e leprosy actively participated in deaths focusing on population health. And the members of the 'Chagas Express 21' brought engagement against Chagas disease to cities in Goiás and Minas Gerais.
Already in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, thousands of people were impacted by major events, such as Fiocroar for you, National Science and Technology Week e SBPC Young, in addition to initiatives in squares e schools.
In the year the Institute completed 124 years, professionals and students reaffirmed the institutional vocation to contribute to the democratic construction of public policies in their fields of activity during the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (5th CNCTI).
They also organized the Free Conference 'Climate Emergency - a Single Health Issue' as part of the preparation for the 5th National Conference on Environment and Climate (5th CNMA), scheduled for 2025.
2024 was also marked by the 115th anniversary of the discovery of Chagas disease by physician Carlos Chagas. He became the first researcher to describe the complete cycle of a disease, including the description of the parasite, the vector and the clinical picture of patients.
Chagas and his historic achievement were honored in the project 'We are Manguinhos', which held two more editions: one celebrated the Application Courses do IOC, precursor of Brazilian postgraduate studies, and others 115 years of creation from the Memories Magazine of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute.
Above: Carlos Chagas (sitting on the right) in front of the house where, according to reports, he first became aware of the barbers (photo: COC/F collectioniocruz). Below: cover of the second volume of the magazine, published in August 1909 (photo: Josué Damacena)
Speaking of celebrating, researchers and students had many reasons to celebrate: there were more than two dozen awards, honors and recognitions in various areas of knowledge, granted inside and outside the country.
There was a prize for a thesis on African snail, dissertation on photographs of anatomical pieces from the Museum of Pathology and works on treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, pharmacological compounds against Leishmania, biomarker related to therapeutic outcome of leishmaniasis, in addition to research on learning in early childhood and techniques for using infrared for diagnosis of schistosomiasis.
A Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) elected researcher as a member of the entity, the Regional Biology Council granted the title of emeritus biologist to four experts, the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science recognized the work developed by professional in the field and the International Association of Inflammation Societies highlighted contributions of scientist in theme.
The community of IOC won more than two dozen awards, honors and recognitions throughout the year
And it doesn't stop there: game about menstrual dignity was awarded at a national event, virus image cause of Mpox won an award from CNPq, the Presidency of Fiocruz granted honors the researcher and the theses of the Institute and the Capes Thesis Award recognized work supervised by a researcher from IOC.
Furthermore, the performance in the surveillance of respiratory infections was highlighted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the team's virologist was invited to join the advisory group on viral evolution of the World Health Organization.
Along with the achievements and smiles, 2024 also had moments of mourning and longing. In June, the Institute said goodbye to the former head of the Immunoparasitology Laboratory, researcher Sergio Coutinho Furtado de Mendonça, who worked on the development and evaluation of vaccines for leishmaniasis.
From left to right: David Brown, Ernesto Hofer, Rubens Pinto de Mello and Sergio Mendonça
In September, goodbye was for the entomologist Rubens, founder of the Diptera Laboratory and the specialization course in Medical Entomology.
In November, the exponent of microbiology, Ernesto Hofer, died at the age of 87, and the visiting researcher, David Brown, at 71.
From Manguinhos to the world. The year 2024 of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) was marked by research results that made headlines throughout Brazil, both those developed at the Unit and those in partnership with in-house scientists.
The pioneering study that identified contamination of sharks for cocaine in Rio de Janeiro achieved international impact. Also in an unprecedented way, the Institute led clinical studies for a leprosy vaccine, which will soon begin testing in Brazil. The country occupies the sad position of having the second highest number of cases in the world.
Research that identified the presence of cocaine in sharks' bodies was featured in a variety of national and international media outlets. Photos: internet reproduction
On another front, experts have raised the alarm about the increase in new cases of HIV infection among young men who have sex with men (a group known as 'young MSM'). At the same time, they formed a partnership in the search to make the production of 3D bioprinter low-cost for the production of biological tissues. The material used for construction is surprising: scrap.
In addition, scientists at the Institute have opened doors to the development of new treatments for schistosomiasis, contributed to the description of new species of fish parasites and joined a project that seeks to establish information systems to support populations of Brazil and Africa in response to environmental changes.
Vector research, One Health and 3D tissue production: scientists have worked hard to improve population health
In epidemiological investigation and laboratory surveillance work, the presence of the worm that causes eosinophilic meningitis in snails and rats in Baixada Fluminense. Faced with an emerging arbovirus in the country, the Institute dedicated efforts to Oropouche, including the first diagnosis of a patient in Rio de Janeiro, a case of vertical transmission in a fetus in Ceara and the description of the virus lineage associated with the outbreak in the Amazon region.
Already at the forefront of studies on the mosquito involved in the virus transmission cycle, they developed guidelines for surveillance of maruins and offered an online course to prepare local health services for the identification of this vector.
Notoriety: the Institute's work was recognized by the Ministry of Health and PAHO and the scientist was part of the pre-G20 summit
The scientific prestige of the Institute gained expression in two important episodes: in the participation of a researcher in the engagement summit for science and technology of the G20 and in the recognition by the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization of the contributions to the reconquest of the certificate of measles elimination in national territory.
Two words accurately illustrate many of the actions that marked 2024 IOC: cooperation and internationalization.
The year had barely begun and delegation of the Institute was ready in Brasília to fulfill an intense agenda of coordination with several partners from the Ministries of Health, Science, Technology and Innovation and Education.
Meetings with the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) were also held. institutional agenda. The result of these articulations is expressed in the SCHEDULE to stimulate the internalization of research and training of human resources in postgraduate studies, recently launched by the Federal Government.
Strengthening strategic collaborations to combat communicable diseases, with an emphasis on those considered neglected, was the topic of a visit by representatives of Ministry of Health to the Institute's facilities.
Research projects on climate, health and biodiversity were among the highlights of the year
To strengthen integration with the Central-West region, the IOC inaugurated the Center for Studies and Research in Comprehensive Health Care and Surveillance of Chagas Disease (CEPAV-Chagas). The space, created in partnership with the Municipal Government of Posse (Goiás), aims to promote studies on Chagas disease, in addition to offering diagnosis, support and treatment for people affected by the disease.
Moving north, another new development: the Center for Studies and Research on Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Change (Cepab-Climate) was structured in Acre to support projects and actions focused on the Amazon region. The expectation is that the new space, the result of a partnership with the Federal Institute of Acre (Ifac), will house qualification courses and a postgraduate program.
In the same state, the IOC discussed advances in cooperation with renowned local institutions to establish partnerships in teaching, health research and disease diagnosis.
The climate and environment theme was also on the agenda in the integration with the Southeast, through an agreement signed with the city of Niterói (RJ) to climate education. The initiative will enable the participatory construction of a program to raise awareness and qualify on the subject.
Inside and outside Brazil, cooperation and internationalization actions total dozens of activities
In the capital of Rio de Janeiro, a professional qualification course in critical environmental education was held aimed at female leaders community groups working in vulnerable areas in Rio de Janeiro. In partnership with the City of Rio, the project values and empowers women from different parts of the city, in addition to contributing to the preservation of the Atlantic Forest.
In projects coordinated with the Pró-Saber Institute, dedicated to training teachers who work in daycare centers in communities in Rio de Janeiro, cooperation agreements were established in extension activities through the Program IOC + Schools and the Science, Art and Citizenship network. Talks have also begun for a partnership in a project to build a open air museum which articulates integral ecology, art, science and education.
And, in yet another year, the ties of cooperation between Brazil and Africa were strengthened. Cooperation actions were carried out with the National Institute of Health (INS) of Mozambique, an agency linked to the local Ministry of Health, in the areas of bioinformatics – with a course on RNAseq data analysis, genome assembly and phylogenetic analysis – and communication – with training of spokespersons and consultants.
Continuing the flight over foreign lands, the Institute's Postgraduate Programs were responsible for organizing or co-organizing more than a dozen courses with international scope, which contributed to the exchange of knowledge between professors, students and researchers from renowned institutions.
From here to there and from there to here: international courses promoted exchanges between teachers and students from various countries
Na Spain, for example, a workshop was held on parasite spillover modeling. Already in Paraguay an event was held on collaborative strategies for global health, while in Argentina a course on drug design was offered.
On the other hand, scientists of various nationalities landed in Brazil. Here, courses were held on single-cell transcriptomics, mental health care after the Covid-19 pandemic, immune functions, mucosal immunology, ecology and modeling of wildlife diseases. identification of mosquito vectors, articulation of games with health and education, academic mobility, writing and scientific evaluation and neurological infectious diseases.
In addition to the high scientific level of the international courses offered, the Oswaldo Cruz Institute's teaching had other reasons to celebrate.
Os Vacation Courses have reached the remarkable milestone of 30 editions, with a significant impact on the careers and lives of more than 2.800 undergraduate students from Brazilian public and private universities. Postgraduate Week reached its 10th edition marked by themes that directly impact the daily lives of students.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Cellular and Molecular Biology celebrated 35 years of creation, with the excellent training of more than 1.430 masters and doctors. And the Postgraduate Course in Teaching in BiocSciences and Health celebrated 20 years of activities, with more than 300 degrees completed.
In 2024, Education in IOC had many reasons to celebrate
Em Rondônia, a consortium with the participation of five Postgraduate programs of the IOC was responsible for training eleven new doctors in the state.
No Amapá, the Institute established the first understandings for establishing partnerships with the Federal University and the local Federal Institute, with the goal of expanding the training of doctors in the state.
In the neighbor Roraima, the Interinstitutional Doctoral Program (Dinter) coordinated by the Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine began. This initiative focuses on training doctors, nurses, biologists, biomedical scientists and physical educators.
An unprecedented doctorate promoted by the Postgraduate Program in Education in BiocSciences and Health will enable professionals in the Piaui develop skills for higher education teaching and new methodologies and products for education and scientific dissemination.
The Postgraduate Program in Vector Surveillance and Control offered a master's degree course to professionals working in the public health service. Minas Gerais.
On the front lines of public health responses, the IOC worked on strategic actions at municipal, state, federal and international levels.
With the support of global organizations and entities, the Institute contributed to the formulation of policies pandemic preparedness, became part of the network for coronavirus surveillance and organized training to predict the emergence of viral variants.
The Institute has integrated several surveillance projects, always ready to respond to current and potential public health problems
In partnership with the Ministry of Health, specialists participated in a workshop to develop an action plan in arboviruses, carried out training in sequencing resistant bacteria to antibiotics and acting in biosafety level 3 laboratories.
They also led the creation of a platform dedicated to monitoring antimicrobial resistance in Brazil and implemented a methodology for detecting areas with higher risk of transmission of Chagas disease.
With health departments spread across the country, it was possible to create a panel for arbovirus surveillance, create an online tool for identifying Chagas vectors and carry out training of health professionals in malacology.
Throughout the year, teams from the Institute joined task forces in health promotion initiatives, with emphasis on sending of supplies for the diagnosis of leptospirosis in Rio Grande do Sul, in support of the response to the tragedy caused by heavy rains in the region.
It was also developed free online course about the disease, infographic about the Leptospira bacteria and guidelines of prevention of pediculosis in shelters, due to the crowding of homeless and displaced people.
O Program IOC + Schools promoted science education, health promotion and scientific dissemination in several public schools of education in the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Contributing to health emergencies or taking science to schools and squares: there were researchers and students from IOC
In response to the high incidence of dengue cases in Brazil in 2024, the Institute prepared a infographic with mosquito characteristics Aedes aegypti and compiled on one page several products and initiatives about the vector to facilitate the sharing reliable information.
The outpatient clinics for care viral hepatitis e leprosy actively participated in deaths focusing on population health. And the members of the 'Chagas Express 21' brought engagement against Chagas disease to cities in Goiás and Minas Gerais.
Already in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, thousands of people were impacted by major events, such as Fiocroar for you, National Science and Technology Week e SBPC Young, in addition to initiatives in squares e schools.
In the year the Institute completed 124 years, professionals and students reaffirmed the institutional vocation to contribute to the democratic construction of public policies in their fields of activity during the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (5th CNCTI).
They also organized the Free Conference 'Climate Emergency - a Single Health Issue' as part of the preparation for the 5th National Conference on Environment and Climate (5th CNMA), scheduled for 2025.
2024 was also marked by the 115th anniversary of the discovery of Chagas disease by physician Carlos Chagas. He became the first researcher to describe the complete cycle of a disease, including the description of the parasite, the vector and the clinical picture of patients.
Chagas and his historic achievement were honored in the project 'We are Manguinhos', which held two more editions: one celebrated the Application Courses do IOC, precursor of Brazilian postgraduate studies, and others 115 years of creation from the Memories Magazine of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute.
Above: Carlos Chagas (sitting on the right) in front of the house where, according to reports, he first became aware of the barbers (photo: COC/F collectioniocruz). Below: cover of the second volume of the magazine, published in August 1909 (photo: Josué Damacena)
Speaking of celebrating, researchers and students had many reasons to celebrate: there were more than two dozen awards, honors and recognitions in various areas of knowledge, granted inside and outside the country.
There was a prize for a thesis on African snail, dissertation on photographs of anatomical pieces from the Museum of Pathology and works on treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, pharmacological compounds against Leishmania, biomarker related to therapeutic outcome of leishmaniasis, in addition to research on learning in early childhood and techniques for using infrared for diagnosis of schistosomiasis.
A Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) elected researcher as a member of the entity, the Regional Biology Council granted the title of emeritus biologist to four experts, the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science recognized the work developed by professional in the field and the International Association of Inflammation Societies highlighted contributions of scientist in theme.
The community of IOC won more than two dozen awards, honors and recognitions throughout the year
And it doesn't stop there: game about menstrual dignity was awarded at a national event, virus image cause of Mpox won an award from CNPq, the Presidency of Fiocruz granted honors the researcher and the theses of the Institute and the Capes Thesis Award recognized work supervised by a researcher from IOC.
Furthermore, the performance in the surveillance of respiratory infections was highlighted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the team's virologist was invited to join the advisory group on viral evolution of the World Health Organization.
Along with the achievements and smiles, 2024 also had moments of mourning and longing. In June, the Institute said goodbye to the former head of the Immunoparasitology Laboratory, researcher Sergio Coutinho Furtado de Mendonça, who worked on the development and evaluation of vaccines for leishmaniasis.
From left to right: David Brown, Ernesto Hofer, Rubens Pinto de Mello and Sergio Mendonça
In September, goodbye was for the entomologist Rubens, founder of the Diptera Laboratory and the specialization course in Medical Entomology.
In November, the exponent of microbiology, Ernesto Hofer, died at the age of 87, and the visiting researcher, David Brown, at 71.
The non-profit reproduction of the text is allowed as long as the source is cited (Comunicação / Instituto Oswaldo Cruz)
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