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t m c » p u l s e | j u n e 2 0 1 6 5 Diplomacy Opens Doors Thanks to improved relations between the U.S. and Cuba, scientists at UTMB have the opportunity to participate in a unique collaboration The $1.3 million initiative, funded by Atlantic Philanthropies, aims to train Cuban scientists in UTMB's training laboratory and to collaborate to combat infectious diseases both countries share. Scott C. Weaver, Ph.D., scientific director of the Galveston National Laboratory, director of the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, and a professor at UTMB, spearheaded the project. "Atlantic Philanthropies contacted us and asked if I'd be willing to put together a proposal," Weaver said. "Their board of directors liked it, and then it took a few weeks for us to get everything through The University of Texas System. T he island of Cuba, with its brightly colored row houses, streets lined with classic cars and lush, tropical scenery, has long been a mystery to most Americans. Seen largely only in photos for over half a century, since the United States severed diplomatic ties with the country during the Cold War, it has been an object of fascination to many. The recent resto- ration of diplomacy between the two nations, however, has opened the door to closer ties, including a new col- laboration between The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) and Havana's Instituto Pedro Kouri. B y S h e a C o n n e l l y It's a great opportunity for UTMB to become one of the first universities to develop an active and collaborative program in Cuba, and we're very excited about it. — SCOTT C. WEAVER, PH.D. Scientific Director of the Galveston National Laboratory, Director of the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, and Professor at UTMB A young boy is examined in a Cuban health clinic. Credit: © Magnum Photographer Cristina Garcia Rodero