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Wine into vinegar—the fall of Cuba's biotechnology

Nature Biotechnology volume 19, pages 905–907 (2001)Cite this article

For myself and many young Cuban scientists, the establishment of an advanced biotechnology center in Havana was the most challenging and rewarding endeavor we had ever undertaken. When our dreams were realized, the Cuban biotechnology program was a landmark in scientific accomplishment and a source of pride in the developing world. Less than 10 years later, that vision has been shattered, betrayed by a combination of intrigue, infighting, and bureaucracy. Cuba's once-vigorous biotechnology now is on the verge of expiration, strangled by increasing social and political tensions. Lacking capacity, creativity, and credibility, it is a paled and perhaps dangerous shadow of its former self.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oklahoma State University,

    José de la Fuente

  2. Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba

    José de la Fuente

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  1. José de la Fuente
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de la Fuente, J. Wine into vinegar—the fall of Cuba's biotechnology. Nat Biotechnol 19, 905–907 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1001-905

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