Educate, encourage, grow and innovate.

By Beatriz Meurer Moreira and Raquel Regina Bonelli

The first mission of the Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes (IMPG) is to teach microbiology and related fields that prepare a microbiologist, both in undergraduate biological sciences with an emphasis on Microbiology, as well as in graduate programs in Microbiology and Immunology. In these programs, all with multiple approaches, we seek the training of students with a broad scientific basis combined with critical and creative thinking. It is also part of our mission to carry out research projects with a focus on basic and applied sciences, expanding the horizons of knowledge and presenting solutions to improve the quality of life on the planet through innovation. In addition, everything we do is communicated to our society, at all levels, involving not only peers and possible collaborators, but also people without knowledge in Microbiology and Immunology and with different backgrounds. It includes children, adolescents, professionals and researchers from other areas. This communication enriches the exchange of ideas and connects us with the greatest demands of society, enhancing our actions.

We classify our activities in four main subjects: Immunology, General Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, and Virology. This division is structured in different departments and facilitates the administration of tasks, but the subjects are interconnected. Often, a research project, discipline, or an extension project involves teachers, technical-administrative staff and students from different areas because the subjects are multifaceted or the theme is found in interfaces.

We have already trained around 480 microbiologists in undergraduate courses and about 1000 masters and doctors in the two Postgraduate Programs linked to the IMPG. Our scientific production is disseminated as articles published in major magazines. We have also conducted many projects carried out in partnership with renowned international institutions. Almost all IMPG teachers participate in extension projects that also involve undergraduate and graduate students. We meet numerous demands for interviews, “lives”, and communication articles in the media. In addition, IMPG teachers maintain partnerships with public and private sector companies for product development, epidemiological studies, and research aimed at some common interest.

We are a thriving community!