INTRODUCTION

The Multicenter Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PMBqBM) aims to foster productive collaboration between qualified researchers geographically dispersed across public institutions in Brazil. These include institutions where the establishment of independent graduate programs is not yet feasible (Associated Institutions), and researchers affiliated with well-established graduate programs (Nucleating Institutions). The goal is to create a national network of public institutions that promotes the formation of new research groups and the training of Master’s and Ph.D. students in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ultimately paving the way for the creation of new graduate programs in these associated institutions.

The general objectives of the PMBqBM are to:

a) Provide in-depth knowledge in the fields of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with rigorous training in basic experimental principles that equip students to investigate any biological problem, preparing them for academic research and teaching careers while adhering to standards of good scientific practice;

b) Stimulate research and enhance scientific productivity in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology;

c) Increase the number of highly qualified professionals with modern and distinguished training in the field, capable of competing at top national and international research centers.

UESB (Southwest Bahia State University) was officially accredited in the PMBqBM program in September 2015. The program is initially directed toward graduates in the fields of Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Chemistry, and will operate across UESB’s three campuses. The program will be supported by a team of Ph.D. faculty members from the following departments:Department of Natural Sciences (DCN), Department of Chemistry and Exact Sciences (DQE), Department of Exact and Natural Sciences (DCEN). This is the first graduate program at UESB in the Biological Sciences II area, as classified by CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel). It is also the 15th academic graduate program at the university. With the addition of four national network professional master’s programs, UESB now offers a total of 19 Master’s and 6 Doctoral programs, a significant milestone for the academic community and the southwestern region of Bahia.