IMD in Bolivia

Tiny Giants of Nature

When: 16 September 2025 to 19 September 2025

Time: 09:00 - 12:30

Event Location: Faculty of Science and Technology, Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS), Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Event Description

Bolivia will celebrate its first official International Microorganism Day with a two-day program organized by the Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS). This landmark event combines education, creativity, and hands-on science to raise awareness of the importance of microorganisms and their roles in health, biotechnology, food production, and the environment.

On Day 1, the program will reach 2–4 selected schools, engaging fourth-grade primary and first-year secondary students. Activities include an introductory talk on the importance of microorganisms, the “Heroes vs. Villains” debate game, creative workshops such as “Design Your Own Bacterium” with modeling clay, and interactive games like “Water Guardian Microbes” and “The Microbial Pantry”. Each visit will conclude with takeaway packages containing brochures, stickers, and pens.

On Day 2, UMSS will host a Science Fair with research centers presenting their work:

Centro de Biotecnología (CBT) – molds, yeasts, bacteria, and archaea with industrial applications.

Centro de Tecnología Agroindustrial (CTA) – macrofungi and their uses in food and industry.

Faculty of Medicine – microorganisms in infectious diseases and human health.
Students will also contribute to a collective mural, “Draw Your Own Bacterium”.

Speakers include Claudia Hoepfner Loayza, PhD, Daniel Guzmán Duchen, PhD, Sonia Torrico, PhD, Marcelo Dávila, PhD, and researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, supported by graduate and undergraduate student facilitators.

Target Audience:

Primary (4th grade) and early secondary students.

Objective:

Promote scientific culture, highlight local research contributions, and inspire future generations to explore careers in science and biotechnology.

Registration:

The Universidad Mayor de San Simón will extend a direct invitation to 2 to 4 selected schools to participate in the activities. However, the information and registration link will also be published on the official Facebook page of the Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering programs, so that other interested participants may register.