The researcher and former director of the Research Center René Rachou (CPqRR/Fiocruz Minas), Rodrigo Corrêa-Oliveira, was elected to theThird World Academy of Sciences (TWAS, acronym in English). The nomination was made by the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), which he is a member of since 1999. 

He, as a Biologist and PhD in immunology, has worked on studies of infectious human diseases and sought immunologic mechanisms for treatingthese diseases. He currentlycoordinates the Berenice project, supported by Fiotec, the purpose of which is to develop a therapeutic intervention against Chagas disease with better tolerance, low cost and a more effective formulation than those currently used.
 
TWAS is composed of the world's science academies in development. It is headquartered in Trieste, Italy, where it organizes its activities. The organization promotes the formation and interaction between all member countries through various programs such as seminars, conferences and training programs. It also promotes science by rewarding outstanding researchers. "I feel extremely honored to have my work recognized by researchers at TWAS and even more honored to now be a member of such an important academy," said Rodrigo.
 
In this interview, the researcher expressed his surprise that he had been nominated for TWAS, showed details about the Berenice project and reported the results obtained in another project, which identified the dynamics of re-infection in children in endemic areas for intestinal infectious parasitic diseases. The study was also supported by Fiotec and ended in 2013.
 
How was it to be nominated for TWAS?
The nomination was made by ABC and submitted to the council of TWAS. Nominations can only be made by academies and/or academics and only members of the academies of science of their countries of origin may be nominated. I was surprised, because, to be honest, I was not expecting this. I know there are many trained and internationally recognized candidates nominated by all the academies in the world with competence.
 
When will be the inauguration?
The inauguration is scheduled to take place at Magna Conference, between November 18th and 21st of this year, in Vienna, Austria. The nomination is not temporary. When a person becomes an academic, his/her name remains registered permanently for his/her scientific contribution.
 
What is the purpose of the Berenice project?
The Berenice project is a consortium funded by the European Community, which aims to develop new drugsfor the treatment of Chagas disease. Specifically, the research uses benznidazole (BZN) as a basis for the initial development of the drugs, which is still used for Chagas disease. In the case of BZN, the aim is to develop new formulations, particularly nanoformulations, which can be used by patients.
 
Why is it necessary to develop new formulations of BZN?
We know that BZN is an effective drug for the treatment. However, it has very high levels of toxicity. We believe that, by changing the formulation to a significant decrease in the amount of the ingredient principle of the drug and better biodistribution for a longer time without causing toxicity, we will have a smooth and efficient treatment method.
 
At what stage is the research?
We are currently in the experimental phase of the study. We found out that BZN can be manipulated to reduce significantly the amount of the drug, with excellent biodistribution. In the second half of this year, we will begin the phase 1 clinical trials, which will evaluate the initial toxicity in humans, as in animals no toxicity was found in the acute phase and we are already in the final stage of the studies, the chronic phase.
 
How will the drugs be distributed?
The distribution will be for all patients and the drugs are to be produced by public industries. The technology will be transferred from the partners of the consortium, as already provided for in the initial project. At this stage there are two companies engaged in the project for the production of experimental and phase 1 batches in humans: one in Spain and another in Argentina.
 
What is the impact of the project to society?
The impact will be huge, as all patients with Chagas disease will have direct access to drugs. This project was developed with the clear purpose of benefiting the patient, transferring all information obtained to the health system of the countries where there are individuals with such disease.
 
What was the goal of the project "Dynamics of re-infection by hookworm followed by the anthelmintic treatment in children living in Minas Gerais"?
This project had a very simple purpose: to understand in detail the dynamics of re-infection in children in endemic areas for hookworms (intestinal infectious parasitic diseases).The main point is related to understanding the possible role of a vaccine in decreasing or even eliminating  reinfection in areas where re-exposure to the infective parasite is continuous. For us to understand this dynamic, it was necessary to treat and monitor for two years a population of children in an area of high transmission.
 
What were the results achieved?
The data obtained clearly showed that in an endemic area, even with regular interventions, repeated treatment is not sufficient to induce resistance to reinfection in children. Contrary to what several studies have suggested, children are highly susceptible to re-infection, even if they have lower parasite load. Therefore, the development of a vaccine is very important. We believe that the vaccine, if it is applied along with treatment– that is, by two interventions – will allow the development of effective immune response to eliminate subsequent reinfections.