Career
DaSilva joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1974. And rose to be head of its Life Sciences section, as his foresight and perception of science in the global context allowed him to be proactive in identifying scientific priorities and developing new and appropriate thrusts for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization"s program actions. He was instrumental in the planning and implementation of several United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization regional and international programmes in applied microbiology and biotechnology as well in the development of global networks dealing with the management and use of microbial resources and training opportunities in the fields of marine and plant biotechnology.
Through these two programmes he made a considerable contribution to the development of biotechnology research and training worldwide.
DaSilva"s knack for developing strong links with international programs for co-ordinated action on topics of common interest led to his strong support for the International Organization of Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IOBB), built strong links with the World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC), played an important role in the conferences on the Global Impact of Applied Microbiology (GIAM) among many others In addition, he mobilized several extra-budgetary programs in close cooperation with United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Development Programme and donor member states for activities in national development in biotechnology and regional cooperation in microbiology.
During his time with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, DaSilva honed his passion for teaching and knowledge transfer in his own area of specialization of microbiology and also in biotechnology. He worked tirelessly to develop training initiatives and set up fellowship and professorship programs to stimulate scientific exchange.
He was a strong proponent of international scientific collaboration as a means to promote development and aid provide developing countries with the tools to drive their own scientific research.
Most recently, he was co-editor of the "Biotechnology" theme for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-sponsored (EOLSS)
Edgar J Da Silva died in Mumbai, India.
