The Center for Research on Health in Latin America (CISeAL) was the result of collaborations between the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador and the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Institute (ITDI) at Ohio University that aimed at developing biomedical and biological research, epidemiological surveillance activities, and training and educational programs in Ecuador. The Center grew from an identified need for more research capacity for such initiatives within the country.

 

To achieve our goals, CISeAL works jointly with the Ministry of Public Health in Ecuador, the Ecuadorian Red Cross, PLAN International, and Ohio University. Our wide national and international collaborator network, and our highly-qualified personnel allow us to develop and implement research projects using cutting-edge technology to benefit the Ecuadorian population.

Our efforts focus on developing the infrastructure and personnel needed to strengthen our capabilities to carry out research in Ecuador, according to international biosafety and bioethical standards.

CISeAL has relied on financial and technical support from multiple organizations, including WHO’s Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), European Commission and the National Sciences Foundation (NSF), among others