The objectives of this sector include the promotion and support of international cooperation in the field of scientific and technological research.
The Embassy of Italy in Panama is responsible for facilitating the internationalization of Italian research and the development of bilateral relations between active entities in both countries, with particular focus on collaboration between universities, research institutes, and companies active in advanced technology sectors. In this context, a memorandum was signed in February 2024 between the University of Panama and the University of Trieste. Other collaborations involve the National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) and the University of La Sapienza, within the scope of space nanotechnology.
Among the scientific cooperation initiatives undertaken by the Embassy in recent years, the following are particularly noteworthy:
- Presentation of the photographic exhibitions “Mujeres Panameñas Impactando Nuestra Ciencia,” curated by Senacyt, and “Una Vida de Científica,” offered by the Italian Bracco Foundation, held from November 1 to 15, 2022. This event was part of the Italian Festival for Sustainable Development organized by ASVIS. The goal was to promote the diffusion and study of STEAM disciplines among women in Panama and Central America, encouraging reflection on the importance of Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
- Participation in the fifth edition of the International Space Forum at Ministerial Level (ISF) – The Central America and Caribbean Chapter, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), held at the headquarters of Parlatino (the “Latin American Parliament”) in Panama, with the support of local authorities (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SENACYT, DINACE) and the patronage of Telespazio.
- The Congress of the Asociación Panameña para el Avance de la Ciencia (APANAC), held in September 2023, was inaugurated with a day dedicated entirely to Italy’s contribution to scientific and technological progress, titled “BRIGHT: Building Research Infrastructure for the Advancement of High Technology: Space, Digital, and Ecosystems,” an activity organized by the Embassy in collaboration with the University of Panama, the Technological University of Panama (UTP), the Higher Technical Institute (ITSE), and the National Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACYT). The event also featured participation from important Italian organizations such as the National Research Council (CNR) and the National Institute of Health (ISS).
- In February 2024, the University of Trieste was hosted at the Escuela Internacional de Verano of the University of Panama, an occasion during which the aforementioned memorandum of understanding between the two universities was signed, highlighting the value of Trieste as the capital of knowledge, with the highest concentration of scientists in the world (32 per 1,000 inhabitants).
- From October 8 to 11, 2024, the “First International Conference on Business Sciences Research” took place. This important event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen Italo-Panamanian cooperation, with the participation of the Embassy of Italy in Panama, Italian companies based in Panama, and CAMIP (The Italo-Panamanian Chamber of Commerce). The Embassy assisted in facilitating the participation of Italian companies at the event. During this occasion, Dr. Valter Sergo, Vice-Rector of the University of Trieste, delivered a lecture on the fundamental role of science in strategic business decision-making.
- Participation in the International Congress on Engineering, Science, and Technology (IESTEC), a major event for the international scientific and technological community, held from October 23 to 25, 2024, at the Technological University of Panama. As in 2023, during APANAC, the event featured 14 speakers from national universities and research centers.
- CNR President, Prof. Maria Chiara Carrozza, led a delegation to Panama on 2-3 February to promote academic, scientific and technological collaboration between Italy and Panama. The delegation included several directors of CNR departments and institutes, as well as representatives from the International Relations Office. The mission ended with the signing of a Memorandum with the Senacyt (Secreteria Nacional de Ciencias y Teconologia), paving the way for future collaborations between the two countries.