Einard Blanco-García MS
Biotechnologist with a master’s degree in drug technology and quality control. He joined Havana’s Molecular Immunology Center (CIM) in 1999 as a researcher, and since 2004 has held management positions in CIMAB S.A. (CIM’s marketing affiliate), including that of its director general. He is currently working on a doctorate, preparing a dissertation on the evolution of Cuba’s biotech business models in relation to technological innovation and global market values.

Elías Guilarte-García MD MS
Physician with a master’s degree in virology and dual specialties in family medicine and microbiology/parasitology. He joined the Department of Virology at Havana’s Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute in 2016, where he works as a specialist in medical microbiology in the Laboratory of Sexually Transmitted Infections. From 2013 to 2016, he headed the Department of Microbiology and Virology at the Cuban Hospital in Qatar. He specializes in molecular epidemiology and the study of antimicrobial resistance, as well as in developing capacity to improve diagnosis of sexually transmitted pathogens in Cuba.

Tania Maité Ponce-Laguardia MS
Psychologist and assistant professor of family medicine at the Medical University of Cienfuegos, Ms Ponce- Laguardia is also head of the academic department at the Dr Enrique Barnet University Polyclinic, Santa Isabel de las Lajas Municipality, Cienfuegos Province, Cuba. She holds a master’s degree in satisfactory longevity and directs the Educational Program for Retiring Persons for the Ministry of Public Health’s National Research Program on Determinants of Health, Risks and Prevention in Vulnerable Groups. An adjunct researcher, she is currently investigating social representations of gender and their influence on sexual health during the life course.

Ania Terrero
Journalist with Cubadebate digital media. A graduate of the University of Havana’s Communications School, Ms Terrero was awarded the university’s Scientific Merit Prize for her investigative stories. She has delved into subjects such as public service media management and the gender agenda. With Dixie Edith, she coordinates the Letras de Género section of Cubadebate.