The Young Researchers and Innovators Project of the Department of Cauca has accompanied, supported, and inspired the path of 90 young Caucan researchers who have made science, technology, and innovation (STI) a driving force for social and academic transformation.

This achievement has been made possible through the alliance among seven universities, the Regional Center for Productivity and Innovation of Cauca (CREPIC), and the Government of Cauca. Their institutional collaboration has promoted human talent development, the generation of new knowledge, and the strengthening of a regional research culture.

The presentation of the book and discussion panel “Reflections on the Young Researchers and Innovators Projects in the Department of Cauca – 2024” was an event that celebrated the achievements of the program and highlighted its contributions to the scientific and technological development of the department.

The event showcased the outcomes derived from the project — including knowledge generation, technological developments, business innovations, and processes of social appropriation and transfer of knowledge — reaffirming the program’s core purpose: the training of human talent for STI. Encouraging these scientific vocations broadens young people’s academic horizons and promotes the formation of critical, creative, and socially committed citizens dedicated to transforming the Cauca region.

During the event, the commemorative book was presented, featuring contributions from young researchers Ángela María Pillimue Chacón and Gina Valentina Hoyos Palechor, from the Fundación Universitaria María Cano – Popayán Campus, along with their tutor, Elizabeth Roldán González, a researcher and member of the FISIOTER research group.

Professor Roldán, who was invited to the discussion panel as a representative of the tutors (and who contributed the book’s prologue), emphasized the importance of strengthening university research ecosystems as spaces for comprehensive education, inter-institutional collaboration, and social appropriation of knowledge.

The meeting became a platform of inspiration for new generations, with the participation of research seedbed members — such as SIBITEC and SIF 2 from María Cano — who learned first-hand about the opportunities that scientific and technological research offers for academic and professional growth.

The Young Researchers Project reaffirms that investing in science is investing in the future: every discovery, development, or innovation emerging in Cauca contributes to building a more equitable, sustainable, and knowledge-based country. #MásMaríaCano