Memoria Institucional CeNAT - 2019 - Inglés

INSTITUTIONAL

REPORT

2019

Index Acronyms

Contents

1-2 3-12

Presentation CeNAT

13-22

Our Areas, Laboratories and Programs

23-32

National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LANOTEC)

33-42

CENIBIOT Laboratory

43-52

National Collaboratory on Advanced Computing (CNCA)

53-60

PRIAS Laboratory

61-70

Environmental Management Area

71-92

Institutional Results

93-102

Institutional Work Indicators

103-109

FunCeNAT and Financial Results

110-116

Institutional Leadership

Acronyms CONARE CeNAT FunCeNAT PRIAS LANOTEC CNCA CENIBIOT CREATEC TEC UCR UNA UNED UTN Edu-Roam LACOMET AID BCCR CCSS CONICIT ICE INA INEC MAG MICITT MINAE RREE FEES SAF PILA UdelaR CONICET UBA CNEA Univalle

National Council of Deans National Center for High Technology Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología Foundation PRIAS Laboratory National Nanotechnology Laboratory National Collaboratory on Advanced Computing National Center for Biotechnological Innovations Program for Creativity and Entrepreneurship in High Technology Costa Rica Institute of Technology University of Costa Rica National University State University Distance for Distance Education National Technical University Education Roaming Costa Rican Metrology Laboratory Agency for International Development Central Bank of Costa Rica Costa Rican Social Security Fund National Commission of Science and Technology Costa Rican Institute of Electricity National Learning Institute National Institute of Statistics and Censuses Ministry of Agriculture and Cattle Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications Ministry of Environment and Energy Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Culture Special Fund for Higher Education Agroforestry Systems La Amistad International Park University of the Republic of Uruguay National Council for Scientific and Technical Research University of Buenos Aires National Atomic Energy Commission University of Valle, Colombia

CNRS UGA TGA FTIR SEM TEM CANAPEP IJSO COLAEIQ ACOMET INS AFM QUIMICAM ECMAR ICHO NAVAL INALVE FIFCO ULEAD NASA NOAA USGS ESA DLR ILSI Mesoamerica STEAM ALLBIOTECH DOS PINOS PINN MINSA INA CITA INTA AECID TUHH CORBANA BIOTECH

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France University of Grenoble Alpes, France Thermogravimetry Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Scanning Electron Microscopy Transmission Electron Microscopy National Chamber of Pineapple Producers and Exporters Internacional Junior Science Olympiad Latin American Congress of Students of Chemical Engineering and Related Majors ACOMET Metales y Minerales S.L. National Insurance Institute Atomic Force Microscopy Chemistry Camp National Marine-Coastal Sciences Station International Chemistry Olympiad Office of the Naval Research Inalve Food Industries Florida Ice and Farm Company LEAD University National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration United States Geological Survey European Space Agency German Space Agency ILSI Mesoamerica Association Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics Latin American Network of Young Biotech Leaders Milk Producers Cooperative Program for Innovation and Human Capital for Competitiveness Ministry of Health National Learning Institute National Center for Food Science and Technology National Institute for Agricultural Technology Innovation and Transfer Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation Hamburg University of Technology, Germany National Banana Corporation Biotechnology

SEVRI PAO CIPRONA IFAD PRISLAB ICT SUTEL Zii MOCUPP GIZ CNFL SIMOCUTE SFE IGN PEN MAG IMN FONAFIFO OECD GPSDD BM SICA GEF USAIG SERVIR FAO SEPAL PIACT LAICA CAPROSA CASAGRI OAS ANAGAN MEP UNESCO UNI

Institutional Risk Assessment Specific System Annual Operational Plan Natural Products Research Center International Fund for Agricultural Development Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems Laboratory Information and Communication Technologies Superintendency of Telecommunications of Costa Rica Wireless Internet Zones Monitoring of Land Use Change within Production Landscapes German Agency for International Cooperation National of Power and Light Company National Monitoring System for Coverage and Use of Soil and Ecosystems State Phytosanitary Service National Geographic Institute State of the Nation Program Ministry of Agriculture and Cattle National Meteorological Institute National Forestry Fund Organization for Cooperation and Development National Data Forum for Sustainable Development The World Bank Central American Integration System Global Environment Facility United States Aircraft Insurance Group National Civil Service Authority Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Interactive Platform of Tropical Climate Application Industrial Agricultural League of Sugar Cane Health Professionals Association Farmer's House Organization of American States National Livestock Association Ministry of Education United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization National University of Engineering, Peru

Presentation The Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología (CeNAT), a program of the Consejo Nacional de Rectores, presents its Institutional Report for the year 2019, through which it discloses the results of the work carried out, as well as the most relevant figures related to the entity's management.

It synthesizes the data that our activity has generated, in order to render accounts of the results of the work carried out, promoting reflection and analysis of the research, scientific, and administrative work carried out.

CeNAT, as an inter-university space dedicated to linking, research and innovation, is well known for maintaining a commitment to quality, thus contributing to the construction of a production system based on knowledge, from the excellence of its researchers and in collaboration with the business, government sector and academia sectors.

CeNAT is a multidisciplinary and inter-sectoral instance, whose scientific research focuses on materials science and engineering, biotechnology, advanced computing, environmental management, and in the areas of science, culture and society.

Institutional dynamism is evident by the number of research projects, knowledge transfer actions, collaboration with universities, institutions and companies, favoring the development of the country.

The results are shown in general, and then specifically by each dependency: laboratories (LANOTEC; CENIBiot, CNCA and PRIAS), and the Environmental Management Area and its programs (Climate and Agromatic Observatory).

Furthermore, the data on the 2019 financial statements of the Centro de Alta Tecnología Foundation (FunCeNAT), entity in charge of the administrative, legal and financial management of CeNAT, are also included.

This report is the means through which CeNAT renders accountability and responds to transparency by reporting to CONARE and the country, on the actions and results of the year 2019, thus promoting the continuous improvement of the Center, in its core role of “transforming knowledge into development”.

Eduardo Sibaja Arias Director

Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología

1

2

CeNAT Background

CeNAT, TWO DECADES CONTRIBUTING TO LINKAGE, INNOVATION, SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY The Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología (CeNAT), a program of the National Council of Rectors (CONARE), was born in March 1999, during a time when Costa Rica was attracting multinational companies, such as INTEL. The attraction of investment with high added value in knowledge requires to be a stable, safe, and democratic country, having highly specialized personnel, high technical level, strategic geographical position, and high-level higher education institutions in research, due to the nature of work that companies require and the profiles of the professionals they hire.

Under this scheme, the Figueres Olsen Government took as reference countries such as Korea, Singapore, and Israel -the latter with the Technion or Israeli Technological Institute, located in Haifa, to promote the creation of CeNAT, with the support of state universities, for the attraction of investment in high technology. This reaffirms the role of public universities as the main generators of research in Costa Rica.

Therefore, in October 1997, the Government of the Republic proposed to the Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) the initiative to occupy the property used by the former Agency for International Development (USAID) for the constitution of a national center in high technology, through which the academy would be linked with the productive sector in high impact areas associated with the attraction of foreign investment, for the benefit of national development.

This initiative would later become regulatory, when the Legislative Assembly promulgated Law 7806 on May 25, 1998, authorizing the transfer of the property to CONARE to create the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología and name the building after Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz.

Article 3 of this law provides for the creation of the Centro de Alta Tecnología Foundation (FunCeNAT) in order to maintain the legal duty to manage the resources required for the execution of projects developed through CeNAT. 5

CONARE was then made up of Dr. Gabriel Macaya Trejos, Chancellor of the University of Costa Rica; Ing. Alejandro Cruz Molina, Chancellor of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology; Dr. Celedonio Ramírez Ramírez, Chancellor of the State University for Distance Education; and Dr. Jorge Mora Alfaro, Chancellor of the National University; who supported the proposal to create a scientific and technological development center, which would enhance the research efforts of the universities. The first administrative board of FunCeNAT was formed by them and Marielos Aldí Villalobos, as representative of the Municipality of San José.

As part of the process, the Consejo Nacional de Rectores, under the Coordination Agreement for State University Higher Education, in session number 5-99, of March 2, 1999 of the Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE), created the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología.

CeNAT would then become an inter-university meeting space between the academy, the Government and the country's productive sectors in different high-tech fields, joining efforts to enhance the country's potentials and be able to take advantage of the opportunities that technological development provides to countries that, like Costa Rica, have invested significantly in the education of their population at all levels.

For two decades, CeNAT has built and consolidated a structure based on specialized areas and laboratories, which have allowed it to promote various research projects and knowledge transfers, in conjunction with state universities, government institutions, and productive sectors, forging a path for the transformation of the developing knowledge.

Strategic Planning In 2018-2019, the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología (CeNAT) developed the philosophical framework of the Strategic Plan, including its mission, vision and development objective that guide the route for the next five-year 2019-2023 period.

CeNAT's Mission Statement "We are an inter-university coordination body that facilitates and promotes the proper functioning and systemic development of scientific research in higher education, in various areas of high scientific-technological content, oriented to research, linkage, environmental development, and extension in the innovation framework with the government, civil society and the private sector ” (as inspired by the constitutive act of CeNAT).

CeNAT's Vision “To be a leading innovative center that generates high-technology knowledge, products and services for the promotion of high-impact scientific-technological collaboration, promoting learning spaces, strengthening competitive development, and knowledge exchange at the highest level, while enhancing the mechanisms that support inter-university and institutional coordination of excellence, both at the national and international levels”.

In addition to the mission and vision statements, CeNAT incorporates its development goal into its philosophical framework, as a contribution by the Center to the development of the country.

Development Goal To conduct research activities that provide the country with strategic science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship for competitiveness and economic, social, and environmental development (based on the constitutive act of CeNAT).

6

CeNAT’s Objectives The objectives come from the constitutive act of CeNAT, which guides the institution's work, its contribution and the areas in which the scientific exercise is circumscribed.

7

Main Objective

Specific Objectives:

To conduct training and research activities that provide the country with the necessary, relevant, and strategic technology for the competitive development of the different sectors of society in the economic, social, and environmental scopes.

The specific objectives describe the broad categories that arise from the constitutive act and are oriented to collaborate in the scientific development of the country.

Regarding Science Promotion To promote linkages of research activities to provide the country with the necessary, relevant and strategic technology, for the competitive development of the different sectors of society in the economic, social and environmental scopes.

To carry out anything that represents social, cultural and scientific wellbeing, consistent with the activities of the institution or pursuant to Article One of the Law on Foundations.

Regarding Information and Training To promote the creation and to provide contributions to support thinking spaces, as well as to coordinate actions that support scientific and technological development, and conformation of multidisciplinary teams of highly educated and experienced researchers (high level of critical mass), especially at the graduate level.

To promote technology extension, through exhibitions, conferences, seminars, technology markets, and training courses, among others.

Regarding Inter-Sectoral Articulation To promote coordination of public and private sectors involved in generation, training, transfer, and application of high technology.

To encourage and promote the generation of businesses with high technological content and high added value for the country.

Regarding Contribution to the Country's Development To conduct -with research purposes- activities for development, licensing, utilization of resources (know-how), donation or purchase of patents, inventions, and industrial or utility models.

To disseminate and sell publications arising from research; to assign, sell, transfer and grant licenses for use of their patents, industrial or utility models, as well as any other assets that belong to their intellectual property.

Regarding Contribution to Postgraduate Specializations To promote and support the implementation of academic research programs at the graduate level, in coordination with state higher education university institutions.

8

Values and Principles Enforced at CeNAT Our values comprise those indicated by CONARE; in addition to the values and principles that are enforced at CeNAT, which are presented below them.

Institutional Values of CONARE

9

Teamwork

Respect Tolerance

Communication

Accountability Commitment Discipline

Loyalty

Honesty

Values Enforced at CeNAT • Striving for excellence in the actions undertaken • Transparency in the exercise of research • Tolerance and flexibility in the research process • Ongoing learning attitude • Critical and self-critical position to address improvements in research processes • Maintaining a continuous personal-improvement spirit at the scientific level

Principles Enforced at CeNAT • Collaborative and integrated work in all processes • Scientific rigor in the studies that are undertaken • Work conducted within interdisciplinary complexity

• Effective communication • Accountability in goals and times set for each task • Commitment to impact generation in the actions undertaken

10

Strategic Lines of CeNAT The strategic lines are part of CeNAT's work and are defined as transversal axes of the substantive activities carried out by the laboratories and the Environmental Management Program.

These strategic lines allow seeing the importance of the collegial work of each of the dependencies that make up the organization, where each action contributes to efficiency and projection.

The strategic lines and their definition are outlined below.

11

Knowledge Generation

Learning Transfer

Providing the country with relevant and strategic high technology for the competitive development of the different sectors of society, in the economic, social, and environmental fields.

Supporting learning spaces from inter-university coordination to articulate actions that support scientific and technological development, and the formation of multidisciplinary groups of researchers with high scientific rigor.

Internationalization

Institutional Management

Strengthening knowledge exchange at the highest national and international levels, both in the public and private sectors.

Enhancing organizational management through mechanisms that support the sustainability of CeNAT in an efficient and transparent accountable manner, and the development of scientific relevance.

12

Our Areas, Laboratories and Programs

Areas and Divisions of

Areas • Materials Science and Engineering • Biotechnology • Advanced Computing • Manufacture • Science, Culture and Society • Environmental Management

13

CeNAT

Laboratories • National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LANOTEC) • CENIBIOT Laboratory • National Collaboratory of Advanced Computing (CNCA) • PRIAS Laboratory

Programs • • • • •

Climate Observatory Agromatics CREATEC CeNAT - CONARE Scholarships CeNAT Teaching

Creation of Dependencies According to agreement 5-99 of the Consejo Nacional de Rectores, CeNAT is comprised of the following areas: Materials Science and Engineering Area: It is based, since 2004, at the National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LANOTEC).

Biotechnology Area: Since 2013, CENIBiot Laboratory conducts this operational area.

Advanced Computing Area: It belongs to the National Advanced Computing Collaboratory (CNCA), since 2009.

Manufacturing Area: There is no operating unit attached to it.

Science, Culture, and Society: This area is transversal and managed directly by the CeNAT Directorate. It encompasses CeNAT Teaching, CREATEC, and CeNAT-CONARE Scholarships programs.

Environmental Management Area (AGA): A laboratory and two programs are part of this area: PRIAS Laboratory: It started operations in 2003.

Programs: Variability and Climate Change Observatory: It started operations in 2010.

Agromatics, Food Safety, and Slow Food: It started operations in 2010.

14

CeNAT 2019 1999 (20 years) Environmental Management Area

Materials Science and Engineering Area

Environmental Management Area

Advanced Computing Area

10

YEARS

15

YEARS

2004

16

YEARS

2003 PRIAS Laboratory

15

National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LANOTEC)

Biotechnology Area

2009

National Advanced Computer Collaboratory (CNCA)

6

9

YEARS

2010

2013

YEARS Programs:

Variability and Climate Change Observatory.

Started in 2010.

Agromatic, Food Safety and Slow Food. Started in 2010.

CENIBIOT Laboratory

Operational Structure of CeNAT

Consejo Nacional de Rectores Scientific Council comprised by CONARE Vice-Chancellors or Research Director General of CeNAT

Science and Engineering of Materials

Biotechnology

LANOTEC

CENIBiot

Advanced Computing

CNCA

Environmental Management

PRIAS

Science, Culture, and Society

Agromatic Climate Change

Knowledge Generation

Knowledge Generation

Knowledge Generation

Knowledge Generation

Knowledge Generation

Knowledge transfer

Learning transfer

Learning transfer

Learning transfer

Learning transfer

Learning transfer

Internationalization

Internationalization

Internationalization

Internationalization

Internationalization

Internationalization

Sustainability

Sustainability

Sustainability

Sustainability

Sustainability

Sustainability

16

CeNAT Directorate The constitutive act that established the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología defines the management of CeNAT Directorate, as responsible for: • Ensuring the proper performance of CeNAT, following the guidelines issued by CONARE and the strategic lines defined by the Scientific Council.

The Directorate is also responsible for overseeing the strategic matters of the Center, such as: Agreement follow-up and execution.

CeNAT agreements.

Establishing operational tactics and goals to be developed by the organization.

Supervision of the Culture, Science and Society area, which comprises CeNAT Teaching, CREATEC and CeNAT-CONARE Scholarship programs.

• Ongoing monitoring of the actions carried out by each area and program attached to CeNAT. • • • •

17

CeNAT Teaching CeNAT Teaching is part of the activities carried out by the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología with the aim of transferring knowledge. It organizes lectures, workshops, and conferences aimed at different sectors of society, government and academia, which are taught by world-class national and international experts, linked to activities and/or projects of CeNAT, on scientific and technological subjects.

Among the international speakers who have been part of CeNAT Teaching, the following can be mentioned: • • • •

Dr. León M. Lederman, 1988 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Dr. Pedro Arrojo Agudo, 2003 World Goldman Environment Prize.

Heads of scientific missions from NASA, NOAA, USGS, ESA, DLR. Leading researchers from universities in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

CeNAT - CONARE Scholarship Program Starting in 2013, at the initiative of the Chancellors of CONARE member universities, the scholarship program was created to encourage state-university students to carry out their final graduation or research works, linked to the areas of work at CeNAT. The objectives and subjects of these research works and theses should be directly linked to the lines of LANOTEC, CNCA, CENIBiot, PRIAS and Environmental Management, according to specific contests that are held at public universities, which are disclosed by the institutional media and by the Vice-Chancellorships for Research of each university.

The scholarship process begins in September of each year. The selected projects begin work at the Center, starting in March of the following year.

18

Table 1. 2019 Assigned Scholarships 2019 CENAT – CONARE SCHOLARSHIPS BY UNIVERSITY AND LABORATORY UNIVERSITY UCR UNA UNED ITCR UTN TOTAL / LABORATORY

LANOTEC

CENIBIOT

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

CNCA

PRIAS

2017 2018 2019

2017 2018 2019

2017 2018 2019

2017 2018 2019

TOTAL / YEAR

2017 2018 2019

1

3

1

4

5

4

-

1

1

2

1

5

-

-

1

1

2

-

-

1

-

1

1

1

-

-

-

2

2

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

2

-

-

-

2

-

1

2

1

2

2

1

-

-

-

-

-

3

1

-

1

2

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4

6

3

6

7

4

2

2

4

2

4

6

2

3

5

2017 2018 2019 7 10 12 4 6 2 3 3 4 6 5 18 22 22

Source: Information for the year 2019, provided by the laboratories, area, and programs of CeNAT.

Table 2. Individualization of the Assigned Scholarships ARE LABORATORY

UNIVERSITY

Optimization of conditions for the production of peptaibols with antimicrobial potential against foodborne pathogens, from the Trichoderma asperellum fungus.

CENIBiot

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

Efrain Escudero Leyva

Endophyte fungi in Rubiaceae of natural forest of Costa Rica and their potential use in biological control on phytosanitary coffee problems.

CENIBiot

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

3

Iván Dimitri Ávila Pérez

Indirect derivation of spatial distribution and development status of secondary forests in Costa Rica, using medium-spatial resolution satellite images.

PRIAS

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC)

4

Leonardo van der Laat Muñoz

Location of low-frequency earthquake-volcanic signals based on seismic amplitudes.

CNCA

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

5

Jeannette María Arauz Muñoz

Competences for a new hydro-environmental culture in Disaster Risk Management: the case of the Cahuita Excellence School, Limón, Costa Rica.

Environmental Management

National University (UNA)

6

Rafael Valladares

Spatio-temporal distribution of whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) (Hemi. Aleyrodidae) in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and its interaction with common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) as a trap plant, in protected environments, in Costa Rica.

CNCA

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

7

Mariela Abdalah Hernández

Design of a two-stage anaerobic digestion module for automatic control studies.

CNCA

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

8

Karla Melissa Castillo Rojas

Characterization and proposal of agricultural production models in the form of agroforestry systems (SAF) as alternatives for sustainable development, at the productive areas of the Salitre Indigenous Territory, in the buffer zone of La Amistad International Park (PILA).

Environmental Management

State University for Distance Education (UNED)

N°

STUDENT

PROPOSAL

1

Alisson Melissa Bastos Salas

2

19

Table 2. Individualization of the Assigned Scholarships ARE LABORATORY

UNIVERSITY

CNCA

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC)

Environmental Management

State University for Distance Education (UNED)

Assessment of the precision of georeferencing in UAS systems with different measuring instruments.

PRIAS

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC)

Gabriel Antonio Vargas Arguedas

Design of an intelligent network (Smart Grid) for the National of Power and Light Company (CNFL), applying Internet of Things (IoT)

PRIAS

State University for Distance Education (UNED)

13

María Daniela Rojas Vargas

Production and obtainment of lactic acid, lipoteicoic acid and bacteriocins in bacteria of the Lactobacillus genus.

CENIBiot

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

14

Jose Miguel Obando Taylor

Determination of the Structure-Activity relationship of Oxindolic Alkaloids as a basis for the intelligent design of a compound with Trypanocidal Activity.

CENIBiot

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

15

Leslie Patricia Quinde Cobos

Cancer cell screening based on hidden Markov models from brightfield microscopy images.

CNCA

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

16

Krissia Johanna Wilhelm Romero

Nanotechnology applied to the improvement of the antioxidant power of curcumin: preparation of nanostructured materials.

LANOTEC

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

17

Alejandro Argüello Sáenz

Geomorphological and tectonic analysis of the Karst area in Venado, San Carlos.

PRIAS

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

18

Manuel de Jesús Calderón Rodríguez Rehabilitation of plant communities in the micro-basin of the Bermúdez River, Heredia, Costa Rica.

PRIAS

National University (UNA)

19

Francisco Arturo Carbajal Valdés

Analysis of environmental vulnerability due to landslide at the Tabarcia River micro-water basin, Mora canton, Republic of Costa Rica.

Environmental Management

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

20

Karime Ramírez Jiménez

Characterization of polymers for recycling.

LANOTEC

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC)

21

Rodrigo Mora Bolaños

Design of a 3D printer of reinforced engineering polymers for the manufacture of CubeSat satellite structures and medical applications.

LANOTEC

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC)

22

Lennon Nuñez Meoño

Tracking of soccer players through multi-part graphs and multiple hypotheses, using ultra-high-definition video.

CNCA

University of Costa Rica (UCR)

N°

STUDENT

PROPOSAL

9

Fabrizio Dumani Bernardi

Post-processing parallelization to calculate the rates of hemolysis and platelet activation.

10

Carlos Viquez

The horse-billed spider: from myth to reality.

11

Luis Carlos Villalobos Avellán

12

Source: Information for the year 2019, provided by the laboratories, area, and programs of CeNAT.

20

Program for Creativity and Entrepreneurship in High Technology (CREATEC)

CREATEC

CREATEC was officially inaugurated on April 30, 2014, with the aim to consolidate an entrepreneurial ecosystem based on innovation, promotion of employment and new technologies in the country. This program was the result of the official-private agreement signed between the Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) - Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología (CeNAT); the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT); the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC); and Telefónica Movistar company.

CREATEC seeks to provide a collaborative space to support talent and transform the local business network on the development of projects with scientific and technological content, where entrepreneurs can exchange ideas, good practices and receive training in entrepreneurial processes at early stages, such as creating business models, customer development, sales, and marketing.

21

The project ended in 2019 and some of its results were:

6

generations of incubations

61

business incubations

700 applications received

9

acknowledgments received

143

finalist mentored projects

4

projects have become part of international programs

The different focuses of the program have been on Biotech, Transport and Sustainability, Security, Internet of Things, Education, Health, and Entertainment.

22

LANOTEC

Laboratorio Nacional de Nanotecnología

LANOTEC Annual Operational Plan (CeNAT-CONARE) 2019

18

120

Scientific publications - Dissemination

Knowledge transfer activities

2

29

National or international agreements

12

Research projects

Attention to Students

Background The National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LANOTEC) is attached to the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología (CeNAT). On October 18, 2004, it started conducting research to become a technological leader in the Central American and the Caribbean region, with cutting edge engineering on the study of advanced materials for research, design, and training in technologies associated with microtechnology, nanotechnology and materials science.

25

Its creation enabled expanding knowledge development and collaborating with human capital training, scientific research, and contributing to developing specific applications for the productive sector, in different types of industries such as materials, polymers, microbiology, medicine, geophysics and space exploration, among others.

Currently, LANOTEC has three established areas on which it focuses its work, namely scientific research, innovation-entrepreneurship and ISO 17025 certification, as well as teaching and extension.

Philosophical Framework LANOTEC Development Objective To generate scientific value from nanobiotechnology to process and product innovation initiatives that impact economic development and the sustainable development goals of Costa Rica.

Mission Statement We are a research laboratory for use in nanobiotechnology that has specialized professionals who conduct studies with the highest scientific standards, within the framework of innovation and development, aimed at the public, private and social sectors of the region.

Vision Statement At LANOTEC, respect for Human Rights is enforced, especially the right to life, freedom, and security of all individuals. Furthermore, there is awareness about the environment, and it is expected that the designed products and developments avoid pollution and preserve the environment.

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Values enforced at LANOTEC

Principles enforced at LANOTEC

• Collaborative management in the projects that are undertaken • Socialization of scientific information • Responsible project management • Commitment to the processes and products that are undertaken

• • • •

Efficient use of time Efficient use of technological infrastructure Sound research project management Generation of ideas for process improvements

LANOTEC’s Operational Structure

Use of Nanotechnology

Innovation and Development

Nanobiotechnology

Objectives • To conduct research in the areas of micro and nano technoscience focused on nanostructures, microsensors, and advanced materials, with potential applications in energy, environment, health and information technologies.

• To serve as a nanotechnology training center-laboratory in collaboration with government institutions, interested companies, and state education academic programs.

• To establish strategic alliances with high-tech industries (both national and foreign) for the development of specialized services and products that contribute to the productive sector of the country.

Strategic Nodes • • • • •

27

Innovation and entrepreneurship ISO 17025 accreditation (in process) Research Extension and teaching Art (Nanoart, conceptual art)

LANOTEC Indicators Publications

12

6

Indexed

2

Not indexed

Articles under review for publication

44

21

Knowledge Transfer

4

Workshops taught nationwide

Participations at national courses and symposia / conferences

Participations at international courses and symposia / conferences

2

4

500

Internships nationwide

International internships for employees

People benefited by knowledge transfer

28

Research projects 4 Projects with the Private Sector: • • • •

Creation of a prototype for the development of the BioVida bottle.

Obtaining starch from cassava by-products for the generation of biobased polymeric films.

H2020 - Automated functional screening of IgGs for diagnostics of neurodegenerative diseases (AUTOIgG).

Evaluation of the time/pH effect on the dilution of 2 nanoparticle preparations of dexketoprofen and etoricoxib.

2 Internal projects: • Nanostructures with bactericidal potential.

• Synthesis and applications of graphene quantum dots.

3 FEES Projects: Name

Subject

Product

Molecular bases of the interaction and degradation of the vascular basement membrane by snake venom hemorrhagic metalloproteinases.

Action mechanisms of poisonous hemorrhagic toxins (SVMPs).

• Scientific dissemination

Emerging technologies applied to improve the anti-inflammatory effect of bioactive substances: new curcumin and proanthocyanidin nanomaterials.

Selective and enriched curcuminoids obtainment from Curcuma longa, the major source of curcumin; as well as extracts rich in proanthocyanidins from U. tomentosa, a proven source for antioxidant and anticancer in vitro activities.

• Lectures and Conferences • Scientific Paper

Creation of biocompatible scaffolding utilizing 3D printing, for its implementation in studies of cellular biophysics and engineering of bone tissues.

An alternative to treat congenital craniofacial malformation.

• A scientific paper • Final Graduation Thesis • A specialized international conference or symposium • Lectures nationwide

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3 Projects of Scientific Vocations: Name

Subject

Product

Promotion of scientific vocations CR-2019 Challenge Fair

Students' approach to the scientific process and development of research projects aiming at training the future scientists of Costa Rica.

• Participation at ISEF 2019 Fair, in the United States.

Nanoprofessor: Conceptualization and dissemination of nanotechnology to promote scientific vocations in elementary school children in Costa Rica.

Elementary teachers' approach to the scientific process and nanotechnology, with the aim of promoting scientific vocations at an early age.

• Training

Training in nanobiotechnology, appraisal of industrial by-products and promotion of scientific vocations between Uruguay and Costa Rica.

• Approach of high-school students and teachers of Uruguay to the scientific process and nanotechnology, in order to train future scientists.

• Strengthening ties with research and academic institutions at the international level.

• 5 Training events between institutions (LANOTEC-CeNAT, and the University of the Republic of Uruguay -UdelaR).

• 1 article (in writing).

• Design and implementation of a nanotechnology kit and manual for elementary and high school students, registered at UdelaR.

30

5 Project Proposals under negotiation: MICITT-CONICIT funds: 1) Development of nanostructures for efficient release of interfering RNA molecules for the sustainable management of fungal diseases in coffee and banana crops.

2) Revaluation of coffee grounds as adsorbent material and an alternative to activated carbon in the removal of bromacil from water sources.

3) Associativity, innovation, development, and technology transfer program. Business: Ecoinsumos S.A. “Development of two agronutritional formulations to improve agricultural soils, their efficient use in agriculture and reduction of environmental impact” 4) Design and development of a concept model to establish a bioinformatic study of lung cancer using the artificial vision of 3D images at nanomolecular scale and circulating molecular biomarkers of associated genes.

Private Sector: 1) Production and characterization of bacteria-repellent microcontact printed substrates and bactericidal nanostructured surfaces (Naval)

Attention to Students: CeNAT-CONARE Scholarship students

8

29

6

Support in graduation or thesis projects

8

Interns

students at the laboratory:

5 2 31

Volunteers

Supervised professional practices

Articulations Academia: • Articulations with the five public universities, through research projects and FEES projects, such as scientific vocation projects and preparation of students for the representation of Costa Rica at the editions of the International Chemistry Olympiad • Nicaragua Catholic University • Latin University

Approach with International and National Institutions and Companies: • Phillips Morris, through scientific projects.

• Strengthening relations with FIFCO, through scientific projects and scientific vocations.

• INALVE, through a research project.

• Dos Pinos.

• Biomedical companies (Establishment Labs., Smith & Nephew, Allergan, Boston, Hologic, among others).

• Turrialba Cheese Cooperative, through a PINN project.

• Ecoinsumos, through a PINN project.

• ULEAD, courses.

• Naval Research Office, through funding for a research project through grants.gov

Agreements • National Museum of Costa Rica. Agreement approved by both institutions and ready for the respective signature.

• An agreement was reached for the International Research Network, linking with different institutions: 1) National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Argentina 2) University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Argentina 3) National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), Argentina 4) Universidad del Valle (Univalle), Colombia 5) National University of Engineering (UNI), Peru 6) Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France 7) Sorbonne Université (SU), France 8) University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA), France

32

CENIBiot

CENIBiot Annual Operating Plan (CeNAT-CONARE) 2019

10

39

Scientific Publications

Knowledge transfer activities

3

77

Agreements

42

Research projects

Attention to Students

Background CENIBiot is an Interuniversity laboratory for research, development, innovation and scaling in industrial biotechnology of the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología (CeNAT), with the financial support of the Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE).

It seeks to contribute to the generation of innovative biotechnological solutions and the strategic linkage of the academic, business and government sectors, by supporting entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and university-business linkage. This way, it will achieve its vision of being a "world-class inter-university center in biotechnological innovation".

35

Its operation mode is based on promoting openness and accessibility to the installed capacity of CENIBiot.

Internationalization is promoted as a strategy to achieve competitiveness, external fundraising and constant updating in the field of biotechnology for the benefit of academia and other related sectors in the region.

CENIBiot seeks to lead efforts toward doing more research, in collaboration with state universities and the private sector, but mainly to develop innovative products that can be sold in the market, thus generating a significant increase in fundraising, and thereby contribute to its sustainability.

Philosophical Framework CENIBiot's Development Objective To generate biotechnological research that contributes to the sustainable development goals of Costa Rica, through impact scientific and innovative projects that contribute to society in the economic, social and environmental fields, through knowledge exchange, science services, and alliances with the business sector.

CENIBiot's Mission Statement We are a biotech research and development laboratory that works with high scientific standards, where higher education, public and private sectors in Costa Rica converge to accelerate scientific and technological-based innovation.

CENIBiot's Vision To be a self-sustaining laboratory with high scientific, economic and social impact at the national and international levels, which strengthens competitive development through scientific rigor and intersectoral coordination.

36

Values Enforced at CENIBiot

Principles Enforced at CENIBiot

• • • •

• Solidarity and efficient use of scientific equipment • Sound research project management • Willingness for constant improvement of the projects that are undertaken

Human team care Ongoing learning attitude An attitude of amazement at findings and achievements Collaborative management in projects that are undertaken

CENIBiot's Operational Structure Innovation and Impact

Use of Microorganisms

Molecular Biology Chemistry Biological tests Bioreactors Synthetic Biology

Use of Phototrophic Organisms

Strategic Goals • To achieve the effective consolidation of strategic linkages and alliances with academia, the business sector, and the State • To achieve the positioning of CENIBiot as a specialized center in industrial bioprocesses for scientific and business development • To have a structured and optimized quality management system • To improve the professional development of CENIBiot's human capital

Strategic Nodes • • • • •

37

Health Biotechnology Research Bioprospecting Research Molecular Biology Research Phototropic Organisms Research Bioprocess Research

CENIBiot's Indicators Publications

10 Indexed

8

Articles under review for publication

Knowledge Transfer

14

Participations at national courses and symposia / conferences

8

Participations at international courses and symposia / conferences

5

International internships for employees

38

Research Projects 2 linking projects: • Development of innovative bioproducts based on microorganisms and metabolites for biological control of pests and diseases of national interest - Biotech • Co-production of value-added metabolites and compounds in Acidolactic Bacteria (DFG)

4 projects Funded by MICITT-CONICIT: • Application of nano biotechnology for the development of carrier-in-a-carrier systems for nucleic acid transfection, FI-215B-17 • Bioprospecting for new extreme-enzymes in Costa Rican volcanic environments, FI-255B-17 • Biotechnological production of terpenes from endemic species of Costa Rica for control of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, the causal agent of Panama disease in banana plantations (Musa spp), FI-254B-17 • Use of agro-industrial waste through the development of bioprocesses to produce common and fine chemical products

9 projects with Vice-Chancellorships for Research: • Metabolic flux analysis as a baseline for metabolic engineering of oil-producing microalgae species (VIE) • Research of the downstream neural pathway of Neuregulin-2. (VIE) • Profiling and validation of downstream molecular pathophysiology of NRG1-ErB4 hyperstimulation relevant to schizophrenia (VIE) • Design of a liquid phase system for the biodegradation of neonicotinoid pesticides in agricultural wastewater in Costa Rica (SIPPRES 2017) • Characterization of the microbiota associated with the biodeterioration of historical documents of Costa Rica VI-4921-2019 (SIPPRES 2019)

39

• Genomic and postgenomic analysis of the biosynthetic pathways of antibiotic production in Streptomyces sp M54. VI-4953-2019 (SIPPRES 2019) • Bioprospecting of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms from oil exploration wells in Costa Rica - Pry01-31-2019 (SIPPRES 2019) • Study of genes involved in the transport of phosphate in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 using mutagenesis tools based on the CRISPR/CAS9 system. B8524 (SIPPRES 2019) • Improvement of the commercial quality of Vanilla planifolia, V. pompona, and the Costa Rica hybrid pods, grown in agroforestry systems from four regions of the country, by optimizing the harvest time and the curing method (IFAD)

24 internal projects: • Microbiota associated with the biodeterioration of the works of art of the National Theater of Costa Rica

• Development of a method for the quantification of pesticides in food matrices

• Production and characterization of peptides with antifungal activity from Trichoderma asperellum (peptaiboles)

• Design of collagen-based medical devices for tissue regeneration, based on the use of by-products from the aquaculture industry (GTR)

• Development of a characterization and purification protocol for cas and berry proanthocyanidins

• Role of sorcin in lymphocyte in vitro proliferation

• Process improvement and design of industrial metabolite extraction equipment • Anatomical description and in vitro culture of Hamelia xerocarpa • Anatomical description and in vitro culture of Spachea correae

• Construction of a vector based on tellurite genes for genetic manipulation of multi-resistant bacteria • Bacillus nanoencapsulation for the control of Radopholus similis (pathogenic pathogens of banana) - CORBANA • Characterization of biostimulants of complex composition • Evaluation of the in vitro culture of Tectona grandis

• Evaluation of the efficacy of an experimental treatment for Chagas disease using purified fractions from plants of the Hamelia genus, collected in Sarapiquí and the Osa Peninsula

• Evaluation of in vitro culture of Phyllanthus acuminatus

• Vitroplant Production

• Production of lipotecoic acid (LTA) in lactobacillus rhamnosus

• Development of a purification process to obtain fetal bovine serum for use in biotechnological tissue lines • In vitro multiplication of Azadirachta indica (neem) plants in temporary immersion bioreactors • Evaluation of the in vitro multiplication of Saccharum officinarum (Sugarcane) in temporary immersion systems

• Biodegradation of fungicides with endophytic strains of trichoderma

• Mechanism of circulating histone-induced cardiac dysfunction • Development of a method for extraction and quantification of alkaloids from the root of Ipecacuana • Development of a method for quantification of pesticides in food matrices

40

3 FEES projects: • • •

Current and future distribution of the genetic diversity of Psidium friedrichsthalianum Ndz (cas) in Costa Rica, using climate change models and their relationship with the production of polyphenols for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries (FEES) Production of bioactive compounds from Ganoderma sp fungus isolates for commercialization in the nutraceutical industry (FEES) Effects of endophytic fungi on the health and resilience of coffee plants - Trichoderma (FEES)

8 project proposals under negotiation: • BioCR proposal: Formulation of an innovative, effective and safe natural product for the treatment of stress and anxiety problems

• FEES 2020 Proposal: Study of the viroma and search for new Cas proteins in extreme sites of Costa Rica

• Proposal submitted: VIII Latin American Workshop on molecular biology of trypanosomatids- UNU Biolac Course

• Incentive Fund Proposal (MICITT): Bioles as a source of inspiration for the generation of new native microbial biostimulants for Costa Rican agricultural innovation

• Proposal submitted by the Vice-Chancellorship of Research, UCR: Genomic and post genomic analysis of the biosynthetic pathways of antibiotic production in streptomyces sp. M54

• IFAD proposal: Determination of the antiparasitic capacity against Trypanosoma cruzi of Costa Rican propolis and the relationship with their chemical composition and botanical origin

• FEES 2020 Proposal: Contamination of Costa Rican corn by Fusarium toxigenic species

• Formulation of a biofungicide based on peptides extracted from Trichoderma asperellum and evaluation of its ecotoxicity and safety.

Attention to students

4

77

CeNAT-CONARE Scholarship students

24

Support in graduation or thesis projects

32

National interns

students at the laboratory:

17

41

Supervised professional practices

Articulations Academia: • Links with the five public universities, through research, FEES and MICITT-funded projects.

• Links with international universities and institutes such as: ○ University of Wisconsin, Madison ○ Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Germany ○ Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Germany

Approach with International and National Companies: • • • • • • • • •

Speratum Puro Verde Paraíso Forestal Marine Essence Biosciences Thrive Natural Care BIOTECH INCHI COSTA RICA - Procapsules Coopetarrazú Corporación Agrícola del Monte Brewers Association

Agreements • CIPRONA Specific Collaboration Agreement: Bioprospecting of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms from oil exploitation wells in Costa Rica • INCHI COSTA RICA cooperation framework agreement – Procapsules • Coopetarrazú cooperation framework agreement

42

CNCA

Colaboratorio Nacional de Computación Avanzada

CNCA Annual Operating Plan (CeNAT-CONARE) 2019

6

42

Scientific Publications

Knowledge transfer activities

330

7

Cluster Operation Days

11

Research Projects

Attention to Students

Background The National Collaboratory on Advanced Computing (CNCA) is a multidisciplinary space where scientific discovery and technological innovation are promoted using advanced computing infrastructure. This infrastructure includes not only specialized and updated hardware, but also a set of efficient applications and trained personnel to take advantage of all that technology. This infrastructure allows the CNCA to work on the core development dimensions of research projects, training, and service provision.

45

The CNCA aims to provide two pillars of scientific development to the Costa Rican community. In addition to theory and experimentation, simulation and data analysis constitute key pieces in the exploration of the frontier of knowledge. To achieve this aspiration, hardware and software computing tools are essential. The work of the CNCA members is then based on the computational cluster and the applications installed on it.

The CNCA must provide an excellent computing infrastructure for the development of projects and services that allow creating high-impact solutions for society.

Philosophical Framework CNCA's Development Objective To promote the use of advanced computing in research with complex information that speeds up development and innovation, contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals in Costa Rica.

Mission Statement We are a research laboratory that enables the handling of complex information. It has professionals specialized in advanced computing that carry out studies with the highest scientific standards, innovating in technological development and articulating studies at both national and international levels.

Vision Statement To be a self-sustaining advanced computing laboratory with cutting edge technological infrastructure that impacts innovation and national and international development.

46

Values Enforced at the CNCA

Principles Enforced at CNCA

• Willingness to good human relations • Willingness to ongoing learning • Collaborative innovation in laboratory tasks

• • • •

Collaborative management in projects that are undertaken Creativity in knowledge transfer Permanent communication among the work team Efficient use of resources

CNCA’s Operational Structure Machine learning Bioinformatics

Simulation

47

Modeling

Accelerating Innovation and Development

Data Science

Objectives • To provide advanced computing infrastructure in continuous improvement, updating and use for scientific research • To effectively communicate the results and activities of the Collaboratory • To create mechanisms for external fundraising • To ensure the professional growth of the members of the Collaboratory • To promote the scientific production of the Collaboratory • To strengthen the Collaboratory’s training supply

Strategic Nodes • • • • • •

Maintenance of the computer cluster with updated equipment Effective dissemination of results Fundraising through the sale of services and external research funds Development of a professional career for human resources Substantial scientific production and development of high impact research projects Appropriate training supply for different scientific and engineering domains

CNCA's Indicators Publications

6

Indexed

48

Knowledge Transfer Awarded:

5

7

programming workshops on Python language for different scientific domains: basic sciences, computational seismology, and bioinformatics tools

programming workshops on statistical analysis and data visualization with R language for different scientific domains

advanced computing seminars, with an expert in the application of high-performance computing in a particular scientific domain to present results

13

4

536

internal training sessions

49

5

programming schools in advanced computing topics: high-performance computing and Big Data

people benefited by knowledge transfer

Participations:

5

participations at national courses and symposia/conferences

6

6

participations at international courses and symposia/conferences

publications of posters at academic conferences, meetings or international forums

3

international internships for employees

1

certification obtained by a laboratory researcher and 1 in process

50

Research Projects 5 research projects in: • 2 simulation and modeling • 2 artificial intelligence • 1 bioinformatics

6 Awarded FEES projects Subjects: • Feasibility study for assessment of Blood Pumps.

• Genomic functional analysis of cancer cells by interfering RNA for identification of regulatory networks associated with proliferation and death, in response to genotoxic chemotherapy.

• Transport of air pollutants in the Western Central Valley: identification of air pollution sinks and their impact on metallic materials.

• MediaTIC: A computational platform for analysis and visualization of big data produced by digital communication media.

• Search for new antimicrobials in honey, the genome and the microbiota associated with stingless bees (Meliponini, Apidae): use of omic techniques at the service of the Costa Rican meliponiculture.

• Implementation of a real-time automatic monitoring system for active volcanoes in Costa Rica.

Computational Infrastructure 330 days per year of operation of computer services that result in: • More than 200 accounts with access to computing infrastructure services.

• 36,000 hours used in simulations and data processing • More than 250 cluster users

Attention to students:

Support in graduation or thesis projects

Assistant students who contribute to the laboratory while being trained in it

7

students at the laboratory:

6 51

1

Graduate intern

CeNAT-CONARE Scholarship students

4

10

Support for students:

Articulations Academia: • Articulations with the five public universities, through research projects and FEES projects.

Approach with International and National Companies: • Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) • Researchers from the National Technical University (UTN) • PRISLAB • LANOTEC • National System for Accreditation of Higher Education (SINAES) • Costa Rica Seismological Network (RSN) • Space Research Center (CINESPA) • PIET- UNA • State of the Nation Program (PEN) • National Animal Health Service (SENASA) • Applied mathematics & computer simulation group

• MIO-CIMAR UCR • Research Center in Hematology and • Related Disorders (CIHATA) eScience program • OVSICORI-UNA • INCIENSA • Laboratory of research and technological innovation.

• PlasmaTEC • CENIBiot • ParmaGroup • DCILab • PRIAS • Iberoamerican High Performance Computing Network (RICAP)

RED CONARE One of the RedCONARE services and the ICT departments of the universities is Eduroam, which has the following indicators: • • • •

Access to approximately 112,029 students 101 countries participate at Eduroam network 5 public universities on Eduroam network (Costa Rica) Operation at research centers located in each university and the CeNAT Eduroam network • An agreement signed by the Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE) with the Telecommunications Superintendence (SUTEL). The Eduroam service joins the Connected Public Spaces program, through which free Internet access is provided to the population through 515 Wireless Internet Zones (Zii). To date, there are 301 Wireless Internet Zones (Zii) of the 515 included in the project.

52

PRIAS

PRIAS Annual Operating Plan (CeNAT-CONARE) 2019

2

52

Scientific Publications

Knowledge transfers

1

9

Agreements

6

Research Projects

Attention to Students

Background The creation of PRIAS enabled Costa Rica to become one of the few countries to have a collection of aerial images, with different sensors, of almost its entire territory. In addition, the synergy that was created among institutions during its first years has promoted the triple-helix work model that is in force to date, and which implies an impact and a multiplying effect of efforts done within the Costa Rican territory.

55

Currently, PRIAS Laboratory supports different Geomatics areas, focusing on Earth observations, and providing the country with highly reliable information, which is available to any user globally. It aims to address national challenges and to promote studies on the national territory. PRIAS conducts knowledge and technology transfer to students, researchers and experts, in accordance to the triple-helix concept.

Philosophical Framework PRIAS's Development Objective To develop geospatial research that contributes to the knowledge on the Costa Rican territory and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, which allow contributing to decision-making, through specialized scientific-technical assistance projects that empower improvement in the academic, socioeconomic and environmental fields in the region.

Mission Statement We are a geospatial research laboratory, comprised of a specialized team of professionals who work with the highest scientific standards in earth observation, articulated with higher education in Costa Rica and international cooperation, within the framework of innovation with the public, private and social sectors.

Vision Statement To be a self-sustaining research scientific laboratory with high impact on decision-making at the national and international levels, to strengthen geospatial innovation, by transferring technical and scientific knowledge at the academic, socioeconomic, and environmental levels.

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Values Enforced at PRIAS

Principles Enforced at PRIAS

• • • •

• • • •

Empathy in collaborative work.

Willingness to multidisciplinary learning.

Creativity to face improvements.

Commitment to the goals that are set in each project.

Efficient use of technological infrastructure.

Collaborative interdisciplinary work.

Knowledge transfer that is adapted to populations.

Willingness for constant improvement of the projects that are undertaken.

PRIAS Operational Structure Earth Observations

Geospatial innovation Spatial data infrastructure

Remote Sensing

Objectives • To position the image of the laboratory by establishing strategic alliances that enable providing services and scientific-technological exchange • To obtain additional resources for the development of research and innovation at the PRIAS Laboratory • To improve the internal processes of the PRIAS Laboratory on geospatial data management • To increase the operational capacities at the PRIAS Laboratory to maintain a continuous improvement culture

Strategic Nodes • • • • • • •

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Geographic Information Systems Remote Sensing Photogrammetry Global Positioning System Geodesy Computational science Spatial data infrastructure

PRIAS Indicators Publications

1

1

Indexed

3

Specialized

Articles under review for publication

31

3

Knowledge Transfer

17

National workshops taught

Participations at national courses and symposia / conferences

1

180

International internships for employees

Participations at international courses and symposia / conferences

People benefited by knowledge transfer

58

Research Projects 2 internal projects • Real-time land survey control points (PCTT-RTK), UTN. • Spectral Signature Library.

2 Vice-Chancellorship of Research projects • Quantification of water erosion based on different mechanization techniques using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the upper part of the Reventazón River basin (erosion monitoring).

• Indirect derivation of spatial distribution and development status of secondary forests in Costa Rica, using medium-spatial resolution satellite images.

1 private project • Conserving biodiversity through the sustainable management of productive landscapes and pastures in Costa Rica-MOCUPP.

1 project funded by MICITT-CONICIT • Applicability of Sentinel-2, DESIS and Landsat 8 satellite imagery data for water quality studies, on water bodies, related to crop coverage surroundings of Terraba-Sierpe National Wetland (MONEO-WET).

5 project proposals under negotiation: • • • •

MONEO-TREE (Monitoring the Environment of Costa Rica through Earth Observation) UNDP-COSTA RICA-SPAIN Project Costa Rica-Antarctica Strategy GIZ-Ecosystem Services and Thematic Atlases. B-Structure Proposal: Geospatial big data for Internet of Things based structural health monitoring

Attention to Students: CeNAT-CONARE Scholarship students

7

9

students at the laboratory:

59

1

CeNAT-CONARE-Environme ntal Management Scholarship Student

1

Support in graduation or thesis projects

Articulations Academia: • • • • •

Links with the five public universities, through research projects University of British Columbia University of Queensland Georgia University University of Stanford

Approach with Government Entities and International and National Companies: 16 Nacionales: • Ministry of the Presidency • National Power and Light Company (CNFL) • ISEF Challenge • BCCR • SIMOCUTE • State Phytosanitary Service • Municipality of San José • INEC

• • • • • • • • •

MINAE IGN State of the Nation Program MAG CORBANA IMN FONAFIFO Pococí Development Agency CNE

• • • • • • • •

USAID SERVIR American Geospatial Union FAO SEPAL European Commission Land Trend Google Earth Engine

17 International: • • • • • • • • •

OECD GPSDD The World Bank NASA SICA GEF DLR GIZ UNDP

Agreement • Agreement between the Administrative Environmental Court (TAA) of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the PRIAS Laboratory.

60

Gestión Ambiental

Environmental Management Operating Plan (CeNAT-CONARE) 2019

4

98

Publications

Knowledge transfer activities

2

7

Research projects

Attention to students

Background The Environmental Management Area (AGA) is one of the six constituent areas of the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología (CeNAT) of the Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE), according to agreement 5-99, dated March 2, 1999.

This area links and articulates environmental, climatic and agromatic actions with CONARE universities, state institutions, and the business sector, on topics such as advice and search for sustainable alternatives in production processes, natural resources, good practices, academic activities and specialized training, research, and new environment-friendly technology

63

applications. The area is supported by Environmental Management representatives from UNED, UNA, ITCR, UTN, and UCR, who make up the Academic Advisory Committee.

Its main objectives include support, coordination, and projection in the areas of Environmental Management of the universities, development of environmental projects and interdisciplinary activities with other areas within CeNAT, management, and conservation of natural resources, climate and food security, and support in the improvement of the country's environmental policies.

Philosophical Framework Environmental Management’s Development Objective To disseminate and empower society from the sustainable development goals, in the economic, social and environmental fields, in climate change, production chain and added value of products, through technical assistance processes that territorially impact innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship for the productive development of Costa Rica.

Mission Statement We are a research area with national and international linkages, which supports the public, private and civil society sectors in technical assistance for decision-making, in the face of weather-event risks and productive development, through a team of specialized professionals who carry out studies with the highest scientific standards, within the framework of innovation and development of higher education in Costa Rica.

Vision Statement To be a self-sustainable research area with high economic and social impact, both at the national and international levels, which contributes to knowledge generation on climate change, production chains and added value of products, being a leader in strengthening competitive development and technical assistance from the intersectoral articulation.

64

Values Enforced at Environmental Management

Principles Enforced at Environmental Management

• Human team care • Gastronomic and productive support under constant improvement • Collaborative management in projects that are undertaken.

• Socialization of scientific information to society

• Efficient use of time • Sound research project management • Willingness for constant improvement of the projects that are undertaken • Knowledge and skills empowerment

Operational Structure of Environmental Management Innovation and Development

Climate change

Technical assistance

Agromatics

General Strategic Objective To consolidate the Environmental Management area as a support and linkage instance for public/academic/private initiatives for social development of communities, through high-tech tools in remote perception, variability and climate change, and Agromatics.

Objectives • • • •

To manage effective links with the various civil society stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.

To implement technology tools both for access and dissemination of information.

To increase knowledge at communities on environmental management subjects.

To seek the financial sustainability of Environmental Management.

Strategic Nodes • Development of computer platforms and tools for • Promotion of knowledge and added value of products decision makers, producers, and communities to access through agromatic strategies in line with national, information on population, spatial, environmental, regional and global initiatives, such as the SAN-CELAC climatic and agri-food matters. plans, Slow Food, designations of origin, Mother Earth • Joint project development to support communities and fairs and others. environmental impact studies with both national and international organizations.

65

Environmental Management Programs General Coordination: The coordination of the area supports and aligns the strategic actions of the different programs that make up the area, such as Climate and Agromatic Observatory, and coordinates the CeNAT - CONARE Annual Scholarship Program. In addition, it collaborates with project management development at the PRIAS Laboratory. It also promotes business innovation actions and projects through linking projects with Europe and America, focusing on SMEs and high-tech ventures. This, in association with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) and the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC).

Climate Observatory The Climate Observatory Program of the Environmental Management Area responds to the need for strengthening the capacity to adapt to Variability and Climate Change that extreme variations in weather and climate generate on the productivity of the agricultural sector. It is dedicated to researching past and current situations, and the perspectives of the climate for the purpose of social benefit in the face of climatic adversities.

Agromatics The Agromatics Program is dedicated to working with the support of alliances and high technologies (with universities, institutions, ministries, companies, regulatory bodies and CeNAT's own laboratories), in publicizing local resources and products. Products their gene expression are typified to detect genes for adaptation to the environment and resistance to diseases and pests, which are linked to quality and hardness, according to the variability of the existing species.

Typification is done through the knowledge of the organoleptic and culinary quality of local products, many of which are little known.

66

67

Indicators of the Environmental Management Area Publications

4

Specialized

1

Article under review for publication

Knowledge Transfer

27

1

9

National workshops or lectures

International workshop or lecture

Participations at technical events

14

6

41

Participations at national courses and symposia / conferences

Participations at international courses and symposia / conferences

Participations in disseminating specialized information such as WhatsApp chat, information capsules, radio or television interviews, among others

1400

people benefited from the different knowledge transfers made 68

Research Projects 1 PINN-MICITT Project (in conjunction with LANOTEC): • Project approval: "Creation of the Integral Quality Unit for the Turrialba Cheese Denomination of Origin" PINN-MICITT.

2 external projects: • OAS Project: “Tropical Climate Application Interactive Platform (PIACT)". TRIFINIO Region and Costa Rica, II Stage.

• Fundecooperación Climate Observatory Project.

1 internal project: • Slow Food

3 project proposals under negotiation: • Orange Project in conjunction with Tecnalia • Climate Observatory Project • Design of a Pilot Innovation Center for Costa Rica (Desamparados)

Attention to Students: CeNAT-CONARE Scholarship students

4 3

7

students at the laboratory:

69

Interns

Articulations Academia: • Links with the five public universities, through research projects.

Approach with International and National Companies: 9 Nacionales: • • • • •

Ministry of Agriculture and Cattle Repretel Channel 6 Columbia Radio La Teja newspaper Liga Industrial de la Caña de Azúcar (LAICA)

• National Institute for Innovation and • Transfer in Agricultural Technology (INTA) • CACPROSA • La Casa del Agricultor (CASAGRI) • Corporación Ganadera (CORFOGA)

6 Internacionales: • ISEF Scientific Fair, together with the European Union • UNA University in Nicaragua • Organization of American States (OAS) Asociación Nacional de Ganaderos • (ANAGAN)

• Walmart Central America • TRIFINIO Plan: organization of border members from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador

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INSTITUTIONAL RESULTS

Support in Knowledge Transfer: For the LANOTEC Extension and Teaching area, it is important to promote scientific vocations in students for future generations.

The Costa Rican Chemistry and Science Olympics aim at bringing high school students closer to the areas of Science, seeking to encourage scientific vocations. Both processes have two main stages: one national and one international.

The scientific committees prepare the exams for the three national stages: eliminatory, final and laboratory. For international participation, theoretical/practical training is provided prior to the competition, where students are deepened on the subjects; then a student selection exam is made and then there is the international competition.

During the national stage, the organizing committees are in charge of the national competition: registration, information distribution, venues for the selection exam, distribution of exam watchers, final exam venue, closing event, certificates, logistics, and Chemistry and Science camp (only one).

Participation at Chemistry Olympiad Activity

Participants

Prize

Ibero-American Chemistry Olympiad, Portugal 2019

Ingrid Verónica Salazar Picado José Andrés Granados Morales Roberto González Borge Alejandro Reyes Chi Wendy Villalobos González (Advisor) Randall Syedd León (Advisor)

Bronze medal Honorable Mention Bronze medal

XII Central American Olympics and XI Caribbean Chemistry - Panama 2019

Roberto González Borge Daniel Mora Romero José Andresa Granados Morales Roy Mario Soto Fallas (Advisor) Henry Borbón Alpizar (Advisor)

Bronze medal Bronze medal

International Chemistry Olympiad, Paris, France 2019

Gilberto Piedra Marín (Advisor) José Vega Baudrit (Advisor) Fabrizio Salas Ramírez Luis Diego Mata Boschini

Source: Information from LANOTEC Laboratory of CeNAT, 2019.

73

Bronze medal

Participation at Science Olympiad Activities International Youth Science Olympiad Qatar 2019

Participants

Medals

Ignacio Herrera Gamboa Pablo Álvarez Barboza Danilo Ignacio Hernández de Franco Johel Alejandro Mora Ramírez Daniel Díaz Castro Camila María del Valle Vega

Bronze medal

Fuente: Información Laboratorio LANOTEC del CeNAT, 2019.

Participation at Scientific Fairs International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

ISEF CHALLENGE 2019 Fair

Finalist

Project

Diego Reyes Catón TLI (Interactive Lesco Sign Language Translator) Marcos Mata Baltodano David Monge Ricaurte Luis Carlos Bustamante León Forest app: Application for the reactivation of native and migratory birds in Costa Rica Daniela Murillo Rodríguez Adaptive Lifting Device for the Disabled (DAED) Hazel Bolaños Alfaro

Prize Awarded by sponsor GoDaddy

Adaptive Lifting Device for the Disabled (DAED)

Roy Fernando Rojas Santamaría Adaptive Lifting Device for the Disabled (DAED) Gipsy Nayceth Durán Araya

Manufacture of bioplastics based on orange sweet potato starches

Source: Information from LANOTEC Laboratory of CeNAT, 2019.

74

Management of Scientific Vocations and Technologies for Elementary and High-School Students The LANOTEC Extension and Teaching Area, in its goal of promoting scientific vocations, works with elementary students who have been identified by the Gifted, Talented and Creative Children Unit of the Ministry of Public Education (MEP). The group of students received an educational module, where they learned different topics, including microgravity and in vitro culture.

Nanotechnology is used as a tool to bring students of different ages closer to science and technology, through workshops, a kit and an educational manual on nanotechnology.

Gifted Children (In conjunction with the Ministry of Public Education): • • • • • • • • •

Diagnostic test - Gifted Student Unit, March 29.

Training received on gifted students, August 5 to 7.

Training provided on gifted students, aimed at teachers, August 21.

I work session with gifted students, August 24.

II work session with gifted students, September 7.

III work session with gifted students, September 21.

IV work session with gifted students, October 5.

V work session with gifted students, October 19.

VI working session with gifted students, November 9.

Olympiad: In 2019, LANOTEC was a member of the Scientific Organizing Committee of the Costa Rican Chemistry Olympiad. It also joined the Scientific Committee and chaired the Organizing Committee of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).

In addition, it chaired the Organizing Committee of the IV National Camp for the Promotion of Scientific Vocations in Chemistry.

During the work of preparing the students for the international Olympiad, theoretical/practical training was developed in various areas.

• Presentation of the Costa Rican Science Olympiad to the MEP Science Advisor, March 6. LANOTEC, UNA, UNED. MICITT, MEP. • Proof of suitability to participate at the training for IJSO 2019 - San José, Costa Rica, March 4. LANOTEC, UNED. • Presentation of the International Junior Science Olympiad to the MEP Science Advisor, March 6. LANOTEC, UNA, UNED. MICITT, MEP. • Proof of suitability to participate in the training for IJSO 2019 - San José, Costa Rica, March 4. LANOTEC, UNED. • Final class of the Chemistry Olympiad, May 2.

• Math class, student preparation for the IJSO 2019, May 8.

• Physics class, student preparation for the IJSO 2019, May 29.

• Biology class, student preparation for the IJSO 2019, UNED-LANOTEC, May 27.

• Physics class, student preparation for the IJSO 2019, June 5.

• Validation of the IJSO Physics practices. September 3.

• QUIMICAM Chemistry Camp 2019, November 18.

Other Workshops: • Nanotechnology Workshop for National Fair, MICITT-MEP-LANOTEC, May 31.

• Work session with students of the Science Teaching Course-UNA, September 4.

• Nanotechnology lecture: South-South Cooperation project, September 24, LANOTEC-UdelaR (Uruguay).

• Nanotechnology lecture: South-South Cooperation project, September 27, LANOTEC-UdelaR (Uruguay).

75

UNESCO Project: "NanoProfessor” project: conceptualization and diffusion of Nanotechnology to promote the scientific vocation in boys and girls of elementary education in Costa Rica" executed by the National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LANOTEC) of the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología (CeNAT) and funded by the Costa Rica National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO. With the collaboration of the Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica, a call was made to select educators from different areas of the country, where access to education, especially on the subject of nanotechnology, is difficult for them, as well as for boys and girls of I and II cycle. Training conducted is outlined below.

5 training workshops in which the following topics were taught: • • • •

Nanotechnology in Costa Rica Introduction to Nanotechnology Nanotechnology and Health Nanotechnology and Food

Date September 10 – 11, 2019 September 24 – 25, 2019 October 17 – 18, 2019 October 31 - November 01, 2019 November 11 – 12, 2019

• • • •

Nanotechnology, agriculture, and environment Nanotechnology and mechatronics Characterization techniques for nanomaterials Legislation on Nanotechnology.

Place

Number of participants

Turrialba, Cartago Cahuita, Limón Alajuela Buenos Aires, Puntarenas Nicoya, Guanacaste

17 17 23 21 19

In addition, a one-week internship was carried out, with the aim to expand knowledge about nanotechnology in a practical manner, developing activities at the laboratory through the use of available methodologies and equipment. That way, participants could understand through the experimentation with the concepts learned during the workshops and transmit information more clearly to boys and girls of I and II cycle.

The topics covered were: 1) Synthesis of silver nanoparticles 2) Characterization techniques: nanoparticles and other nanomaterials 3) Transmission and scanning electron microscopy 4) Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles

5) Synthesis of nanoparticles for controlled release 6) Mechatronic: 3D scanning and printing 7) Final group work 8) Assessment

76

Innovation

Entrepreneurship: Support to Applied Scientific Research Companies Institution

Laboratory

Research

PM

LANOTEC

Collaboration for equipment procurement for the tobacco bill of law.

Research Center in Hematology and Related Disorders (CIHATA)

LANOTEC

Bioinformatic study of lung cancer.

CONICIT-MICIT Funds

FIFCO

LANOTEC

Promotion of scientific vocations CR-2019 Challenge Fair.

INALVE

LANOTEC

Obtaining starch from cassava by-products for generating biobased polymeric films.

Companies in the biomedical sector (Establishment Labs., Smith & Nephew, Allergan, Boston, Hologic, among others).

LANOTEC

Development of routine analysis to various samples.

Implementation of chemical and microbiological analyzes for product quality control.

Turrialba Cheese Cooperative

LANOTEC

Development of general chemistry laboratory courses.

ULEAD

LANOTEC

Production and characterization of bacteria-repellent microcontact printed substrates and bactericidal nanostructured surfaces.

Office of the Naval Research

LANOTEC

Training in Nanobiotechnology, assessment of industrial by-products and promotion of scientific vocations between Uruguay and Costa Rica.

University of the Republic of Uruguay (UdelaR)

LANOTEC

Nanoprofessor: Conceptualization and dissemination of nanotechnology to promote scientific vocations in elementary school children in Costa Rica.

UNESCO

LANOTEC

Revision and translation of standards for the plastics sector single-use plastics.

INTECO

LANOTEC

Automated functional screening of IgGs for diagnostics of neurodegenerative diseases (AUTOIgG).

Ecoinsumos S.A.

LANOTEC

Proposal: Development of two agro-nutritional formulations to improve agricultural soils, their efficient use in agriculture and reduction of environmental impact.

National Museum of Costa Rica

LANOTEC

3D scanning and printing of archaeological pieces.

Development of laboratory analysis on archaeological pieces and ancient bones.

DSC S.A.

LANOTEC

Robotics STEAM BOX. PINN project

Inter-institutional Advisory Commission for the conservation and restoration of the Guayabo National Monument.

LANOTEC

Proposals for prior studies to planning projects for the restoration of the Guayabo National Monument.

Laser Microscopy Center, Dept. of Physiology and Biochemistry of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Belgrade

79

Company

Laboratory

Research Title

SPERATUM

CENIBiot

Genetic treatment for pancreatic cancer and other tumors

THRIVE Natural Care

CENIBiot

Optimization of high purity metabolite extraction processes with green techniques and quality control of export materials

Pure Green Forest Paradise

CENIBiot

Clonal expansion and improvement of ginger growth protocols for export

Association of Craft Brewers of CR

CENIBiot

Both parties together develop courses, training, quality control and growth of yeast inoculant for producers. This also contributes to strengthening the sector for it to enter export markets

Coope Tarrazú

CENIBiot

Development and optimization of bioprocess escalation protocols for the manufacture of biological agricultural inputs

Pro Capsules

CENIBiot

Development and adaptation of functional food prototypes and extraction of active metabolites for export markets

Marine Essence Biosciences

CENIBiot

Efficacy tests and documentation of the activity of medical devices used for guided tissue regeneration (GTR)

BIOTECH

CENIBiot

Identification of the biocontroller strains used in their products is carried out, as well as the improvement of existing products. In addition, work is being carried out to obtain and purify a metabolite from a fungus, following the world trend in these areas in search of reducing the use of complete biological agents.

80

Support to Applied Scientific Research Organizations or Institutions Institution

Laboratory

Research

CONICIT

PRIAS

Project Applicability of Sentinel-2, DESIS and Landsat 8 satellite image data for water quality studies, in bodies of water, related to crop coverage in the surroundings of the Térraba-Sierpe National Wetland (MONEO-WET)

PNUD

PRIAS

Monitoring of land use change in productive landscapes (MOCUPP) of pineapple, treeless grass and oil palm for the Conserving biodiversity project, through the sustainable management of productive landscapes and pastures in Costa Rica -MOCUPP

CONARE-World Bank

PRIAS

Capturing audiovisual material through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in infrastructure projects of the World Bank

NASA, MINAE, U of Stanford

PRIAS

Natural Capital Project: Improving the links between Earth observations and ecosystem service models with essential biodiversity variables. Ecosystem service valuation models to be calibrated in Costa Rica and used in global analyzes.

UNDP, MINAE. U of British Columbia

PRIAS

The Great Enchilada: Mapping Nature for People and the Planet.

Workshop/hackathon at which areas where nature-based solutions can be implemented to meet the needs of conservation and sustainable development were identified and prioritized.

NASA, SICA, MINAE, U of Georgia

PRIAS

Mesoamerican Corridor Determination of land change in protected areas in Costa Rica and Panama for the management of focused resources. Analysis of changes in land use in protected areas of the Mesoamerican Corridor, in southern Costa Rica and northern Panama regions.

Organization of American States (OAS)

Observatorio Climático

Creation of an Interactive Platform for estimation and forecasting of atmospheric phenomena in the TRIFINIO Region and training for producers and decision-makers in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala

FUNDECOOPERACIÓN

Observatorio Climático

Generation of digital platforms to support national agricultural producers

Chambers of Producers of Pineapple, Sugar, Rice, and Cane; Cattlemen's Chamber

Observatorio Climático

New technologies for estimating climatic variability and improving agricultural production

Municipality and political forces of Desamparados

Dirección del Área

Comprehensive environmental mitigation of the impact in San Miguel, Higuito, Desamparados, of the landfill located in Aserrí

Association of Agricultural Producers of Santa Cruz, Turrialba

Agromática

Innovative technologies for the added value of by-products

Onion producers from Santa Ana and Pejibaye, together with the agricultural boards and the Ministry of Agriculture of both regions

Agromática

Denomination of Origin for Turrialba Cheese and Integral Quality System

Group of associates, cooks, artisan chefs, producers, and restaurants associated with the Earth Market.

Agromática

Appraisal of onion and pejibaye products from these regions.

Added-value of products; innovative technologies for product improvement and safety

81

Socialization of Science Attention to Several Audiences Managing CeNAT entails linkages with different sectors and the need for the dissemination of information about its work. As part of the socialization of science, groups of students (high school and university), researchers, businessmen, and government representatives were received during the year.

CeNAT's Work on Media In 2019, CeNAT projects were disseminated on different media channels.

CeNAT's work on Media

27

Written press

53

28

Television

Radio

101

Digital media

Total

Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by CeNAT Communication.

209 82

CeNAT's Work on Media Reach of CeNAT through Facebook

10,620 Number of followers

Social Media

10,425 Total page likes

30,020 people

Average monthly reach of posts

45

Number of countries that follow the page

Source: Information for the year 2019 * The number of followers has been generated organically, without resorting to paid Social Media Marketing. As of December 31, 2019

83

Countries that follow CeNAT on activities socialized on Facebook America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania

Costa Rica The U.S. Peru Mexico Colombia Guatemala Dominican Republic Ecuador Nicaragua Honduras El Salvador Chile Brazil Panama Bolivia Canada Venezuela Paraguay Uruguay Argentina Puerto Rico

Spain Czech Republic France Portugal Germany United Kingdom Netherlands Italy Norway Denmark Finland Sweden Latvia Switzerland Russia

China South Korea Israel Japan

Angola

Australia New Zealand

Taiwan United Arab Emirates Qatar

Source: Information for the year 2019.

84

Illustration 1. Map of Countries that CeNAT Has Reached through Facebook

Source: Information for the year 2019.

95

The main data of information on reach, achievements and impacts evidenced by each Laboratory of CeNAT in the year 2019 are presented below.

Human Resources at CeNAT CeNAT R&D Human Resources 2019 Laboratory

Officers

Collaborators

Scholarships

Total

CNCA PRIAS Env. Management LANOTEC CENIBiot CeNAT The World Bank TOTAL

8 15 2 12 20 1 2 60

12 1 3 22 38

6 5 4 3 4 22

26 21 6 18 46 1 2 120

Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by the Laboratories and area of CeNAT.

Participation Percentage of R & D Human Resources in 2019, According to Officers, Collaborators, and Scholarships present at CeNAT R&D Human Resources 2019 Period 25 20

20 15

15 12 10

22

8

12 6 5

5 1 CNCA Officers

PRIAS Collaborators

4 2

Env. Management

4 3 3 LANOTEC

CENIBiot

1 - CeNAT

2

- World Bank

Scholarships

Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by the Laboratories and area of CeNAT.

86

2019 Indicators, by Laboratory and Area at CeNAT TOTAL 2019 Public and Private Indicators Indicator

CNCA

PRIAS

Env. M.

LANOTEC

CENIBIOT

Total

6 42 11 330 0 7 396

2 52 6 0 1 9 70

4 98 2 0 0 7 111

18 120 12 0 2 29 181

10 39 42 0 3 77 171

40 351 73 330 6 129 929

Publications Knowledge transfer Projects Cluster Operating Days Agreements Support to students Total

Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by the Laboratories and area of CeNAT.

Graphic 1. 2019 Indicators, by Laboratory and Area at CeNAT Public and private indicators 2019 350

330

300 250 200 150 98120

100

77 42

50 0

6 2 4

39

18 10

Publications

CNCA

52

PRIAS

42 11 6 2

Knowledge transfer

Env. M.

LANOTEC

12

Projects

0 0 0 0 Cluster Operating Days

CENIBiot

Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by the Laboratories and area of CeNAT.

87

0 1 0 2 3 Agreements

7 9 7

29

Support to students

Strategic Sectors of Society linked to CeNAT Energy

Food

Technology

Art and Culture

Sports

Textile

Social

Environmental

National Security

Accreditation

Medical Physics

Transportation Sector

Health

Tourism

Biodiversity

Education

Aerospace

Drug development

Agriculture

Local Government Municipality

Incorporated in 2019

Biorefinery / Bioeconomy

Medical devices

Aeronautics Present in 2018

Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by the Laboratories and area of CeNAT.

List of Sectors Linked to CENAT as of December 2019 by Laboratory LANOTEC Energy Social Health Education Agriculture Local-Municipalities Aerospace Tourism Environmental Food Technology National Security Medical / Computational Physics Biodiversity Drug development Biorefinery / Bioeconomy Medical devices Aeronautics Quality / Accreditation Art and Culture Sports Textile Transportation Sector

CNCA

2018

2019

2018

2019

x

x

x x

x x

x x x x

x x x x

x

x

x

x

x x x

x x x

x

x

x

x

x x

x x

x x x x

x x x x

x x x

x x x x x

CENIBiot 2018

PRIAS

2019

2018

2019

x x x

x x x

x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x

x x x

x x x

x x x x

x x x

x x

x x x x x

x

Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by the Laboratories and area of CeNAT.

Environmental Management 2018 2019 x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x

x

x

x

x

x

x x

x

x

88

CeNAT's Relationship with State Institutions Institutions linked to CENAT in 2019

MINAE MOPT

LANAMNE

INA

BCCR

INEC MEIC

MEP

Professional Guilds CCSS Foreign Affairs Chancellery

TIC Chamber

Ministry of Justice

M. Public Security

CONAVI

MAG Civil Aviation

MICITT CONICIT Ministry of Health

ICE

ECA-LACOMET M. of the Presidency

Incorporated in 2019

Present in 2018

Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by the Laboratories and area of CeNAT.

89

Public universities

Institutions linked to CENAT in 2019 LANOTEC

CNCA

2019 MICITT-CONICIT MEIC MINAE MAG Ministry of Health ICE Public universities M. of the Presidency Civil Aviation M. Public Security Foreign Affairs - Chancellery INA ECA-LACOMET INEC BCCR Unions CCSS Ministry of Justice MEP Professional Guilds CONAVI MOPT TIC Chamber LANAMNE

x

x

x

x

x x

x x

x

CENIBiot

2019

PRIAS

2019

x

x

x

x

x

x x

x x

x x

x

x

x x x x

x

x

x x x

2019

Environmental Management 2019

x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x

x x x x x

x x x x x

x

x x

x x

x x

x x x

x x

x x

x

x x

x x

x

x x x x x x

Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by the Laboratories and area of CeNAT.

90

Countries where CeNAT has Links Countries where CeNAT had links in 2019 El Salvador Germany Argentina Belize Brazil Canada Chile Ecuador Spain United States Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Portugal Dominican Republic Uruguay Mexico Serbia Switzerland Turkey Japan China France Italy Colombia Peru Source: Information for the year 2019 provided by the Laboratories and area of CeNAT.

91

INSTITUTIONAL WORK INDICATORS Impact Reached in 2019 at CeNAT

10,620 Facebook Followers and organic growth continues

30,020 Average reach of Facebook posts

45

Nationalities of Facebook followers

95

209

Presence in the media

3

Registered patents

7

Registration processes

351

Knowledge Transfers

96

40

Scientific Publications

73

Projects developed within the framework of the triple helix: Academic, Government, and Private Sector

129

Interns and students with research projects

97

22

CONARE-CeNAT scholarships

250 Users of simulation cluster

36,000

hours using simulations and data processing

98

200

Access accounts to computational infrastructure servers

6

Olympiad and Fairs supported by CeNAT

2

Researchers at the United States Register of Inventors

99

112,029

Students and professors of public universities with access to the Edu-Roam network

101 Eduroam network countries

4.000

Technical assistance to producers in Variability and Climate Change

694

Vocational incentives for high school students through the Nanoprofessor Program 100

330

Days of cluster functioning

6

Generations of business incubation through CREATEC Program

700

Applications to CREATEC Program

101

Fuente: Información del año 2019 proporcionada por los Laboratorios y área del CeNAT.

143

Mentored projects were finalists through CREATEC Program

61

Project incubated through CREATEC Program

4

Projects of CREATEC Program are part of international programs

102

FINANCIAL RESULTS

FunCeNAT and Financial Results FunCeNAT was established in November of 1997, under the Law of Foundations No. 5338 with the name of Fundación Centro de Alta Tecnología (Center for High Technology Foundation).

The Foundation has the mission of managing public and private resources, as well as providing support in the organizational management of each of the divisions that make up CeNAT, as promulgated by Law No. 7806.

The Foundation is a service platform that meets the needs of CeNAT, as well as the public and private projects it manages. For this reason, FunCeNAT actively collaborates in the work of the areas, laboratories, programs, and projects, providing support in administrative management efficiently and transparently, in sound financial management, in the organizational development at national and international levels, as well as legal support in the actions that the Laboratories, Programs, and Projects undertaken. It strengthens the link with CONARE, in addition to supporting inter-sectoral communication and coordination.

It always aligns all its activities with the guidelines issued by CONARE, its Board of Directors, the Comptroller General of the Republic, and the Audit of CONARE, as well as the External Auditors, so that its activities and actions comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

FunCeNAT is the foundation that provides permanent support to CeNAT's laboratories and programs in 4 pillars for organizational development, which are: • • • •

Administrative Management.

Legal Management.

Human Talent Management Financial management and recruitment.

An operational structure that exposes the operation of CeNAT is presented below.

105

FunCeNAT’s Operational Structure

CeNAT FunCeNAT General Director of CeNAT Board of Directors FunCeNAT

Executive Management FunCeNAT

Science and Engineering of Materials

LANOTEC

Biotechnology

CENIBiot

Advanced Computing

CNCA

Environmental management

PRIAS

Agromática O. Climático

Science Culture and Society

Administrative Management Financial Management and Fundraising Organizational Development Management Legal Management

106

DESPACHO DE CONSULTORES Y ASESORES CONTADORES PÚBLICOS AUTORIZADOS Y RIVADOS Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada Cédula Jurídica: 3-102-272831

Tel.: 2253-2410 Fax: 2281-2971 www.prendasvargas.com Apdo Postal 168-2120 San José, Costa Rica

107

FUNDACIÓN CENTRO DE ALTA TECNOLOGÍA (Nonprofit Organization) BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018 (Amounts shown in colones) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Transitory investments Accounts receivable Total current assets Long-term investments Furniture and equipment, net amounts TOTAL ASSETS NET LIABILITIES AND ASSETS Liabilities Current liabilities Accounts payable and accumulated expenses Restricted funds for public-funded projects Restricted funds for private-funded projects Total current liabilities NET ASSETS Accumulated surplus Total equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

2019

2018

¢52,484,956 1,012,829,494 93,966,314 1,159,280,764 1,236,434,984 1,029,676 ¢2,396,745,424

¢57,963,636 987,107,331 59,553,855 1,104,624,822 1,304,322,420 1,756,506 ¢2,410,703,748

¢319,474,843 1,349,367,121 532,254,736 2,201,096,700

¢240,087,221 1,418,226,694 572,334,434 2,230,648,349

195,648,724 195,648,724 ¢2,396,745,424

180,055,399 180,055,399 ¢2,410,703,748

108

FUNDACIÓN CENTRO DE ALTA TECNOLOGÍA (Nonprofit Organization) INCOME STATEMENT - INTEGRATED FOR THE TWELVE MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018 (Amounts shown in colones) 2019

2018

REVENUE: Fund Revenue Project Management Revenue Other Revenue Total Revenue

¢94,820,151 39,029,225 13,446,129 147,295,505

¢62,556,487 55,817,865 10,652,786 129,027,138

EXPENSES: Remunerations Services Materials and Supplies Depreciation expense Benefits Training and protocol Other minor expenses Total Expenses

112,239,215 6,554,820 369,842 726,830 8,655,502 2,278,075 877,896 131,702,180

108,486,215 3,673,731 90,300 726,830 4,375,333 1,006,540 287,760 118,646,709

SURPLUS OF THE PERIOD

¢15,593,325

¢10,380,429

The Financial Statements correspond to Fundación Centro de Alta Tecnología (FunCeNAT), created by Law of the Republic Nº 7806, of May 25, 1998, with the purpose of managing the resources and the institutional purposes of the Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología (CENAT); within its financial statements, the investments shown in its assets and the restricted funds accounts in its liabilities, all the information corresponding to the projects it manages is reflected.

The information that is reflected in the Income Statement corresponds to the Operation of FunCeNAT.

109

INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP

Institutional Leadership Consejo Nacional de Rectores Dr. Henning Jensen Pennington, Chancellor, University of Costa Rica Ing. Luis Paulino Méndez Badilla, Chancellor, Costa Rica Institute of Technology Dr. Alberto Salom Echeverría, Chancellor, National University MBA. Rodrigo Arias Camacho, Chancellor, State Distance University Lic. Marcelo Prieto Jiménez, Chancellor, National Technical University

Scientific Council Dr. Fernando García Santamaría, Vice-Chancellor for Research, University of Costa Rica Mr. Jorge Alfredo Chaves Arce, MSc. Vice-Chancellor for Research, Costa Rica Institute of Technology M.Sc. Daniel Rueda Araya, Vice-Chancellor for Research, National University Dr. Rosibel Víquez Abarca, Vice-Chancellor for Research, State University for Distance Education Dr. Francisco Romero Royo, Vice-Chancellor for Research, National Technical University

Strategic Partners University of Costa Rica Costa Rica Institute of Technology National University State University for Distance Education

National Technical University CONICIT MICITT

CeNAT Directorate Mr. Eduardo Sibaja Arias, Eng. CeNAT Director Ms. Karol Palma Odio, Management Administrative Assistant

Laboratory Directors Dr. José Vega Baudrit, Director, National Nanotechnology Laboratory Dr. Randall Loaiza Montoya, Director, CENIBiot Laboratory Dr. Esteban Meneses Rojas, Director, National Collaboratory of Advanced Computing Mr. Allan Campos Gallo, Eng. Director, Environmental Management Area Ms. Cornelia Miller Granados, Eng. Director of the PRIAS Laboratory

111

Officers Eduardo Miranda Emerson

CeNAT

Billy Alexander Hidalgo Díaz Armando Rojas Esquivel

World Bank Project Coordinating Unit World Bank Project Coordinating Unit

Gabriela Montes de Oca Vásquez Melissa Camacho Elizondo Flor Flores Sequeira Reynaldo Pereira Reyes Andrea Rivera Alvarez Sergio Paniagua Barrantes Michael Hernández Miranda Andrea Mariela Araya Sibaja Carolina Morales Cerdas Diego Bastista Meneses Rodrigo Mora Bolaños María Ethel Sánchez Chacón

LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC

Daniel Alvarado González Jorge Mario Castro Castro Diego Jiménez Vargas Jean Carlo Umaña Jiménez Mariana Cubero Corella Carlos Gamboa Venegas Maripaz Montero Vargas Kimberly Sánchez Calderón

CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA PEN-CNCA CONARE Network CNCA CNCA

112

Funcionarios

113

María Fernanda Hernández Heileen Aguilar Arias Christian Vargas Bolaños Daniel Flores Cordero Andrés David Barahona Contreras Iván Ávila Pérez Jonny Esteban Castillo Gamboa Katherine Hernández Zúñiga Catalina Arguedas González Brandon Blanco Arias Yorleny María Calvo Elizondo María Gabriela Madrigal Chaves Yerlin Dayana Vargas Solano Armando Antonio Vargas Céspedes Marilyn Ortega Rivera

PRIAS PRIAS PRIAS PRIAS PRIAS PRIAS PRIAS PRIAS-MOCUPP PRIAS-MOCUPP PRIAS-MOCUPP PRIAS-MOCUPP PRIAS-MOCUPP PRIAS-MOCUPP PRIAS-MOCUPP PRIAS-MOCUPP

Karla Vanessa Montero Castro Rodrigo Muñoz Arrieta Wendoly Arias Salazar Mónica Rojas Gómez Jessica Montero Zamora Max Chavarria Vargas Roberto Alonso Avendaño Vega Jorge Alberto Araya Mattey Emanuel Araya Valverde Laura Sánchez Calvo Mónica Baizan Rojas Daniel Andrés Alvarado Villalobos Melissa María Chaves Phillips Anibal Mora Villalobos Oscar Rojas Carrillo Priscila Tonon Baschirott Camila Charpentier Alfaro Cristofer Orozco Ortiz Yosimar González Fernández Vanessa María Rivera Mora

CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CeNAT-CENIBiot

Kenneth Obando Rodríguez

State of the Nation

Program Coordinators Irina Katchan Katchan Patricia Sánchez Trejos

Variability and Climate Change Observatory Agromatic, Food Safety and Slow Food.

Administrative Board of Directors of the Centro de Alta Tecnología Foundation Marcelo Prieto Jiménez, President Henning Jensen Pennington, Secretary Luis Paulino Méndez Badilla, Treasurer Rosemarie Ruiz Bravo, Member 1 Maria de los Angeles Aldí Villalobos, Member 2 Alberto Salom Echeverría, First Comptroller Rodrigo Arias Camacho, Second Comptroller Eduardo Sibaja Arias, CeNAT Director Gastón Baudrit Ruiz, OPES-CONARE Legal Advisor

FunCeNAT Administrative Management Cynthia Cordero Solís, Directora Administrativa Mauricio Segura Chacón Jeannette Vargas Arce Yakelyn Bejarano López Margarita Quan Zepeda

FunCeNAT FunCeNAT FunCeNAT FunCeNAT FunCeNAT

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115

Alisson Melissa Bastos Salas Jose Miguel Obando Taylor Efraín Escudero Leyva María Daniela Rojas Vargas

University of Costa Rica (UCR) University of Costa Rica (UCR) University of Costa Rica (UCR) University of Costa Rica (UCR)

CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot

Fabrizio Dumani Bernardi Lennon Fernando Núñez Meoño Leonardo Van Der Laat Muñoz Leslie Patricia Quinde Cobos Mariela Priscilla Abdalah Hernández Rafael Valladares Martínez

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) University of Costa Rica (UCR) University of Costa Rica (UCR) University of Costa Rica (UCR) University of Costa Rica (UCR) University of Costa Rica (UCR)

CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA

Carlos Fernando Víquez Núñez Francisco Arturo Carbajal Valdes Jeannette María Arauz Muñoz Karla Castillo Rojas

State University for Distance Education (UNED) University of Costa Rica (UCR) National University of Costa Rica (UNA) State University for Distance Education (UNED)

Env. M. Env. M. Env. M. Env. M.

Karime Ramírez Jiménez Krissia Johanna Wilhelm Romero Rodrigo Mora Bolaños

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) University of Costa Rica (UCR) Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC)

LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC

Alejandro Argüello Sáenz Gabriel Vargas Arguedas Iván Dimitri Ávila Pérez Luis Carlos Villalobos Avellán Manuel de Jesús Calderón Rodríguez

University of Costa Rica (UCR) State University for Distance Education (UNED) Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) National University of Costa Rica (UNA)

PRIAS PRIAS PRIAS PRIAS PRIAS

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships and Collaborators

Rafael Montenero Marín Sofía Vieto Fonseca María Isabel Araya González Natalia Chacón Camacho Jeffry Gerardo Badilla Nuñez Ricardo Araya González Winson Cheng Liang Luis Felipe Monge Araya Paula Muñoz Araya Samara López Ramírez Erika Mendez Rodríguez Pamela Alfaro Vargas Roger Mora Granados Farid Marín Granados Marco Leandro Gómez Jose Armando Arrieta Guzmán Roberto Camacho Campos Gabriel Morales Artavia Carlos Montero Castro Raquel Gutiérrez Solano Johan Morales Sánchez Andrea Avendaño Vargas

CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot CENIBiot

Andrea Chacón Calderon Luis Carlos Murillo Araya Sofía Rojas Vargas

LANOTEC LANOTEC LANOTEC

Shirley Méndez Coronero

PRIAS

Luis Javier Campos Duarte Manuel Zumbado Corrales Mariela Priscilla Abdalah Hernández Mario Zamora Rivera Ricardo Valverde Hernández Cristina Soto Rojas Crista Montiel Alvarado Isaac Gómez Sánchez Alejandro Arguello Sáenz David Elias Arce Méndez Melissa Arce Montero Warner Díaz Araya Kimberly Sánchez Calderón

CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA CNCA-PEN CNCA

COLLABORATORS

Scholarships and Collaborators

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(506) 2519-5835 | Fax: (506) 2232-0423 cenat@cenat.ac.cr

www.cenat.ac.cr

/centro.nacional.de.alta.tecnologia 1.3 km. norte de la Embajada de los Estados Unidos. Pavas, San José, Costa Rica