U-StraMéLo project

The «U-StraMéLo» project, which has been run since January 2024 by the Department of Research, Innovation and Public Health (DRISP) at the University Hospital of French Guiana, aims to initiate a concerted, multidisciplinary approach to population health research into the issue of heavy metal poisoning in French Guiana.

The U-StraMéLo project began with an initial cycle divided into three phases:

1. Inventory of existing knowledge on heavy metals in the form of a literature review, and identification of local players.
2. Co-construction: creation of a scientific dynamic and development of a concerted, multidisciplinary research programme during a participatory seminar organised in January 2026.
3. Transmission: presentation of the project's progress to all stakeholders, and transfer of governance of U-StraMéLo.

For the second cycle of its implementation, CORIA has been identified as the legitimate local institutional player to host the project and support it in its new missions (leading the consortium, seeking funding, coordinating scientific partners), thanks to its unique strategic positioning between academic and healthcare players.

In addition, because it is attached to the University of Guyana, CORIA enables the U-StraMélo project to fit in perfectly with the local research ecosystem, in line with the site's research policy and in synergy with its actions. It facilitates academic support for the Heavy Metals Strategy supported by the ARS and the Prefecture, and provides coordination support for a research programme arising from the work of U-StraMéLo's first cycle, in line with its framework objectives.

This second cycle of U-StraMéLo, known as the «perpetuation cycle», consists of :

• Ensuring the continuity of work already underway;
• Promote research into the issue of heavy metals in the region;
• Supporting the development and coordination of research projects;
• Representing the university institution in the Heavy Metals Strategy.

The interface between scientific leadership, project structuring and fundraising is provided by a project manager and a steering committee.