How do scientists in Panama respond to relationships of power and difference in global health research, especially those differences defined by and through historical and ongoing racial formations? Panama has strategized science and technology in its development and plans for the future channeling public investments into producing biomedical knowledge. Based on 18 months of fieldwork in Panama, this talk highlights the ecological and multispecies relations that figure prominently in global health and natural products research. Natural products scientists study the chemical properties of “naturally” occurring compounds in biodiversity-rich regions for potential pharmaceutical developments and biomedical interventions. This presentation focuses on the leveraging of Panama’s biodiversity through multispecies experiments that reveal local concerns beyond economic speculation. Specifically, this talk explores multiple forms of value and values produced in natural products research vis-à-vis ongoing global health disparities to map injustices, power and knowledge differentials, and emerging possibilities in global health.

Boxed lunches provided.