A Scientific Bridge from Mersin University to Peru: International Cooperation Protocol Signed Between Two Universities

Mersin University has taken another significant step in line with its vision of internationalization and its goal of fostering global scientific collaborations. A cooperation protocol covering the fields of scientific research, education, and academic mobility has been signed between our university and Peru’s José María Arguedas National University (Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas – UNAJMA).

The protocol was signed by the Rector of Mersin University, Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar, and the Rector of José María Arguedas National University. Prof. Dr. Faheem Shahzad Baloch, a faculty member in the Department of Biotechnology at our university’s Faculty of Science, attended the official signing ceremony held in Peru on behalf of Mersin University.

The signed protocol is regarded as a significant step toward developing sustainable scientific partnerships between Turkey and Peru, particularly in the fields of plant genomics, biotechnology, biodiversity, and advanced molecular research.

Genetic Wealth of the Andes and the Amazon to be Explored Through Scientific Research

The scientific foundation of the cooperation between the two universities is an international joint research project supported by Peru’s national research program, PROCIENCIA, in which Prof. Dr. Faheem Shahzad Baloch participates as a researcher. Within the scope of the project, the genetic diversity, morphological characteristics, and phytochemical potential of Muña plant species—collected from Peru’s Andean and Amazon regions and notable for their medicinal and aromatic properties—are being investigated using advanced biotechnological methods.

The research aims to examine these valuable plant genetic resources at the molecular level by integrating approaches such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), genomic characterization, high-throughput phenotyping, and bioinformatics analysis.

The scientific findings obtained are expected to make significant contributions to biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of genetic resources, and future biotechnological applications.

A New Era for Joint Projects, Scientific Publications, and Student Exchange

The signed protocol aims to foster the development of new international research projects between the two universities, the preparation of joint scientific publications, the promotion of academic and student exchange programs, support for graduate research, and the mutual sharing of scientific knowledge.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the research capacities of both universities through collaborative work, particularly in the fields of plant genomics, molecular biotechnology, bioinformatics, advanced phenotyping, and the characterization of genetic resources.

Significant Contribution to Mersin University’s International Scientific Visibility

Our university faculty member Prof. Dr. This protocol, established within the scope of Faheem Shahzad Baloch’s scientific collaboration activities, is significant for expanding Mersin University’s international research network and fostering sustainable academic partnerships with universities across different continents.

Combining Peru’s rich biodiversity with Mersin University’s scientific expertise in genomics and biotechnology will not only create new research opportunities on an international scale but also enhance the university’s global scientific visibility.

This protocol, signed between Mersin University and José María Arguedas National University, aims to pave the way for long-term collaborations between Turkey and Peru in the fields of science, technology, and higher education.