About us
In 2001, the Federal University of Ceará established the Faculty of Medicine in the city of Sobral, Ceará. Consequently, the university has directed its efforts toward the establishment of a technological development center in the this city, with the objective of facilitating the generation of scientific knowledge and technological innovation. The Biotechnology Nucleus of Sobral was established in July 2005 to consolidate the scientific research and development of strategic technologies for regional advancements within the state of Ceará. The implementation of this research center was favored by a local context of investments in the area of biotechnology. It represents an association of several laboratories from the Federal University of Ceará, Acaraú Valley State University, and Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Goat and Sheep). In 2006, the campus of Sobral was established with the introduction of new undergraduate courses, including Economics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Dentistry, and Psychology. Consequently, the institution experienced an influx of new professors, many of whom had a reputation for involvement in graduate programs. With the assistance of the Biotechnoogy Nucleus of Sobral, which comprises multi-user laboratories, a group of professors initiated the process of preparing and submitting the proposal for the establishment of the Graduate Program in Biotechnology.
The Graduate Program in Biotechnology initiated its activities in January 2008, with a score of 4 (CAPES) and two research lines: the Chemistry of Macromolecules and Applied Microbiology. At the time, the Graduate Program was allocated to the interdisciplinary area. In 2018, the Program was transferred to the Biotechnology area, a strategic decision aimed at aligning the Program activities more closely with its academic and professional profile. The lines of research have been revised and are now titled “Bioprospecting of Natural and Synthetic Products” and “Integrative Analysis of Biological Systems.” These new titles reflect the diverse sectors of study that include: bone bioengineering, organ and systems physiology, reproductive physiology, applied microbiology, neuropharmacology, and nanotechnology.
In 2019, the program made significant advancements in its administrative and academic infrastructure. Notably, the year marked a significant milestone with the construction and inauguration of the graduate laboratory building. This event reinforced the importance of the program within the local and regional context, thereby establishing a foundation for future developments. The program comprises the following laboratories: molecular biology, biochemistry, biomaterials, microbiology, inflammation and pain, neurosciences, neuropharmacology, and reproductive physiology. The Sobral Campus is also home to a sectoral animal facility, housing rats and mice from the Central Animal Bioterium in Fortaleza. In addition, the campus has an Ethics Committee for Research Using Animals.
Since its foundation until now, the program has graduated almost 200 master students in the northern region of Ceará.
