Named in memory of Roberto Caldeyro Barcia (1921–1996), Uruguayan physiologist who led a team of researchers, together with Hermógenes Alvarez, in a pioneering study of the physiological aspects of peri-natology. Their investigations on uterine contractility were seminal for the development of procedures for the control of high-risk pregnancies and deliveries. Their unit system (“Montevideo Units”), introduced to measure the intensity of the uterine contractions, is used worldwide. During his term as president of the Program for the Development of Basic Science (1986–1996), Caldeyro Barcia played a fundamental role in restoring Uruguaian scientific research, which had been severely damaged during the previous period of military dictatorship. (M 34353) _ _.