Thank you to alumna and friend Silvia Pereyra for sharing this article, which was previously published in the original Spanish in the INIA newsletter.
A model of sustained and fruitful international cooperation
This year marks the 28th anniversary of the institutional agreement between the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA) of Uruguay and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), University of Minnesota—a milestone in a partnership that has advanced scientific discovery, education, and global impact in agricultural and natural resource sciences.
From its origins, this collaboration has been rooted in mutual trust and shared goals, growing from a few initial student exchanges into a robust and long-lasting research and training network that includes graduate programs, visiting scientists, joint publications, and hands-on internships.
The foundation of a lasting partnership
The relationship began in the early 1990s when INIA researchers began graduate programs at UMN through a multilateral academic initiative. One of the key figures was Dr. Tabaré Abadie, who enrolled in 1989 and helped build the bridge between both institutions. The formal agreement was signed in 1997 by CFANS Dean Dr. Michael V. Martin and INIA President Agr. Eng. Pedro Bonino.
Shared vision, tangible impacts
Over the past 25 years, the partnership has fostered work in key areas:
• Genetic improvement of cereals and forage crops
• Small grains pathology, especially Fusarium head blight, bacterial diseases and rusts
• Forest pathology and wood decay
• Soil microbiome and soil health
More than 20 researchers and 25 graduate and undergraduate students have participated in joint activities, internships, and research programs. Many of these collaborations have resulted in peer-reviewed publications, technological innovations, and long-term academic exchange.
This cooperation has extended beyond CFANS and INIA, benefitting other Uruguayan institutions such as the University of the Republic (Udelar) and the Clemente Estable Biological Research Institute.
Celebrating Alumni
Several Uruguayan scientists have received special recognition from the University of Minnesota for their contributions:
• Dr. Tabaré Abadie – CFANS Alumni Board of Directors
• Dr. Nora Altier – Distinguished Alumnus Award (PlPa)
• Dr. Silvia Pereyra – 2019 Distinguished Leadership Award for Internationals (UMNA); 2021 Hunger Fighters (CFANS)
• Dr. Carlos Pérez – 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award (PlPa)
• Sofía Simeto –UMN Graduate Fellowships
Looking ahead: Building on a legacy
To commemorate the 25th anniversary in 2022, a hybrid celebration was held with participation from CFANS leadership, including Dean Dr. Brian Buhr, former dean Dr. Michael Martin, and INIA Vice President Dr. Walter Baethgen, along with faculty, alumni, and current students.
One exciting outcome: the creation of the “UMN-Uruguay Network” aiming to strengthen alumni engagement and forge new pathways for future collaborations.
As Dr. Charles Darwin once said: “In the long history of humankind, those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”
This partnership embodies that spirit and will continue to thrive as new generations of students and scientists build on its legacy.
For more information or to get involved with the UMN-Uruguay Network, please contact Silvia Pereyra or Annie Harvieux.