San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 29, 2026. - More than 70 researchers from Puerto Rico, the United States, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina participated in the first Spectral and Imaging Cytometry Workshop, organized by the Research Institute of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (FCTIPR) in alliance with Cytek Biosciences. This initiative strengthens the training of researchers in advanced cellular analysis and accelerates biomedical research from Puerto Rico.
The event brought together, for the first time, the flow cytometry community of Puerto Rico, with representation from the University of Puerto Rico, the Molecular Sciences Research Center, the Interamerican University, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ana G. Méndez University, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as entrepreneurs from the BioLeap program, among other academic, clinical, and industrial institutions.
Spectral flow cytometry allows for the analysis of thousands of cells per second and the simultaneous measurement of multiple characteristics, such as cell type, activation state, and surface markers. Unlike traditional systems, this technology captures the complete light spectrum emitted by each cell, offering greater precision and more information with less sample. This is fundamental for developing better diagnoses, evaluating therapies, and advancing research in areas such as immunology, oncology, and infectious diseases.
As part of this effort, the Research Institute established the first spectral cytometry facility in Puerto Rico, expanding access to this technology for academic researchers, the pharmaceutical industry, clinical laboratories, and research and development companies. The workshop included theoretical and practical sessions on multicolor panel design, high-dimensional data analysis, cell sorting, and imaging flow cytometry, a modality that captures high-resolution images of each individual cell, adding morphological information to each analyzed cell.
The program featured world-class international instructors: Dr. Diana L. Bonilla (Cytek Biosciences), Dr. María Gracia (Cytek Biosciences), Dr. Haley Pugsley (Cytek Biosciences), Dr. Robert Thacker (Cytek Biosciences), Dr. Carla A. Pascuale (Gematec), and Dr. Matías Ostrowski (University of Buenos Aires).
“Puerto Rico boasts top-tier scientific talent that, for decades, has operated with limited access to cutting-edge instrumentation. With this spectral cytometry facility in the country, we are eliminating that barrier. Now, our researchers will be able to perform advanced cellular analyses without leaving the Island. This strengthens our scientific capacity and opens new opportunities for collaboration and funding. That is transformative for our scientific and economic competitiveness,” stated Dr. Marcos López-Casillas, Director of the Research Institute of the Trust.
Dr. Christopher A. Sambolín-Pérez, from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Barranquitas Campus, added: "This workshop provided me with an excellent opportunity to interact directly with experts in flow cytometry. As a professor, it allowed me to strengthen my technical capabilities and integrate new knowledge into my students' learning. The workshop demonstrated the value of combining imaging, flow cytometry, and cell separation into a robust workflow to address complex scientific questions."
International participation reinforces Puerto Rico's potential as a regional hub for training in advanced biomedical technologies. Initiatives like this are an essential part of the Trust's institutional strategy to position Puerto Rico as a global innovation center, increasing research capacity on the Island and fostering its economic development through science and technology.
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