The biotechnology undergraduate program in our branch campus in Quito celebrated its 15th anniversary; during this time, it has educated competent professionals to use, transform and handle biological resources with responsibility. 

UPS president Juan Cardenas said "we must apply and develop different technologies that favor life and humanity." He also congratulated the work of the former directors of this program: Paco Noriega, Maria Elena Maldonado and Diana Calero, as well as the current director, Maria Fernanda Guevara. 

Maria Sol Villagomez, vice president of the university's campus in Quito, stressed the importance of the research this undergraduate program has carried out. "We are sure our graduates are currently facing the challenges of this pandemic in a responsible manner".

Pablo Arevalo, director of life sciences, spoke about how this program started; it began with the idea of a master's degree in Natural Resources in partnership with Universidad de Ferrara and Universidad de Pavia, from Italy. 

Maria Fernanda Guevara stated that most students are researchers and work in several industries. "We are constantly growing thanks to support of professors, students and university officials. We have a long journey to go in academia and we are lucky to lead biotechnological processes in Ecuador".

Angye Vasquez, student representative, spoke about the academic achievements of the program and stated that "our country has a rich biodiversity and our commitment is to make it sustainable and care for our resources. We are all part of the technological development and progress in industries".

Ricardo Alejandro and Byron Fuertes, former students who now work at the National Research Institute of Public Health, led the conference titled "Biotechnology in times of the pandemic"