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imagen de Juanita Castañeda

Juanita Castañeda

Scientific Advisor – Industry
Biomerieux Chile

Microbiologist with a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics, with experience in applied research and management within the pharmaceutical industry and R&D centers. She has worked on the development of diagnostic platforms based on genetic sequencing and bioinformatics tools, focused on microbiome analysis. She currently serves as Scientific Advisor – Industry at bioMérieux Chile, supporting technical decision-making and fostering collaboration between science and industry.

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imagen de Alin Casado

Alin Casado

President
Association of Veterinarians Linked to Aquaculture (MEVEA)

A professional specialized in aquaculture health and nutrition, with experience in the design and implementation of integrated health strategies for salmon farming. She currently serves as BioFarm Health Manager at BioMar Chile, where she leads initiatives focused on disease prevention, optimization of productive performance, and health sustainability, integrating applied science, innovation, and production operations.

imagen de Dr. José Aguilar Manjarrez

Dr. José Aguilar Manjarrez

Aquaculture Officer
FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean

Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Aquaculture from the University of Stirling (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), a Diploma in Financial Aquaculture from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), Mexico, and a B.Sc. in Oceanography from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Mexico. Since joining the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 1996, he has led sustainable aquaculture development initiatives in more than 45 countries. He currently serves as Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer at the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, based in Santiago, Chile, where he promotes innovative policies and solutions to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the sector in the region.

imagen de Gonzalo Ibáñez

Gonzalo Ibáñez

International Regulatory Analyst
United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

International Regulatory Analyst at the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), based in Santiago, Chile, a position he has held since 2010. An Agricultural Engineer with advanced training in agrarian economics and international trade policy, he has extensive experience in regulatory affairs, food safety, and international cooperation through both government and multilateral organizations.

imagen de Gerardo Balbontín Fox

Gerardo Balbontín Fox

CEO
Blumar

Senior executive with extensive experience in the Chilean aquaculture industry. He has held top leadership positions in major salmon farming companies, focusing on corporate strategy, operational efficiency, sustainability, and governance. His career has been marked by driving organizational transformation, strengthening international market positioning, and navigating complex regulatory and competitive environments.