The Biological Research Institute (IIB) imparts a series of subjects from Bachelor’s and Professor in Biological Sciences, Bachelor’s and Professor in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP). The Teaching Area operates alongside the UNMdP Department of Biology and is inextricably linked to research, as teachers are also IIB researchers and doctoral fellows. Both functions are mutually reinforcing and strengthen the university as a space for production and transmission of knowledge.

When a researcher teaches, he brings to the classroom up-to-date knowledge, real experiences of scientific production and a critical look about how knowledge is built. This allows students not only to learn established content, but also how new questions are generated, how experiments or research are designed and how knowledge evolves in each discipline. Thus, teaching becomes more dynamic, creative and connected to current problems. On the other hand, when a teacher investigates, he enriches his pedagogical practice. Research requires the teacher to stay updated, ask questions, analyze evidence and develop critical thinking. All of this improves the quality of teaching and fosters a stronger university education.

In addition, teacher-researchers can involve students in ongoing projects, generating valuable formative experiences and awakening scientific vocations. So much so, that continuously join the IIB fellows, interns and undergraduate and postgraduate tesists who carry out their tasks in the various laboratories of the institute.

This integration between teaching and research is especially important in the public university and in CONICET, because it allows knowledge produced in laboratories, institutes and research groups to flow towards the formation of new professionals and towards society. In turn, the questions that arise in teaching and contact with students can also guide new lines of research.