Training and research interests: B.Sc. in Biological Sciencies (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, 1999), Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology (Ohio University, 2004), postdoctoral training (Harvard School of Public Health, 2005-2008). Currently, I am a faculty member in the Center for Infectious Disease Research of Catholic University, Quito-Ecuador. My research focuses on the biology of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical infection posing serious threat to millions throughout Latin America. I study both clinical and cellular/molecular aspects of the Chagas disease in Ecuador. Participation in WEF: I participated in the 4th IAP Young Scientist Conference in conjunction with the with the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of New Champions in Dalian, 2011 (http://interacademies.net/Activities/10880/15608.aspx). This experience really changed the way I see the world. The setting itself was striking: seeing first-hand the way China is rising to become a World industrial and scientific player was impressive. The interaction with other young scientists from around the globe was very stimulating, and I found several opportunities for joint activities with them in the future. The WEF is a unique venue to connect science with the needs of society. I gained a better understanding of the power held by interactions between entrepreneurs, industry leaders, government representatives and scientists: through more openly interacting, these groups can help each other to attain their individual goals as well as jointly promote the common goal of improving the state of humankind. Participating in the WEF was very motivating, and certainly will impact the way I conduct my work in the future. Work for society: Throughout my career, I have strived to promote research capacity building in my home country. I currently lead the development of graduate programs in infectious disease at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, mentor trainees in research capacity building programs (funded by the World Health Organization and the Fogarty International Center, USA), I preside one of the provincial branches of the Ecuadorian Society for Biology and pursue the creation of an Academy of Sciences for Ecuador. Furthermore, through my research I maintain constant interaction with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health as part of an interdisciplinary Technical Advisory Committee which helps in planning Chagas disease control measures at a national level.