Ten students from the Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Nutrition and Dietetics programs at the María Cano University Foundation (Popayán campus) received certification upon completing the first seminar titled «From Curiosity to the Development of Research Competencies.» This initiative, led by the Cauca Research Roundtable (*Mesa de Investigación del Cauca*), reinforces research training as a strategic commitment to regional development.

The Roundtable brings together higher education institutions operating in Popayán—including the Popayán University Foundation, the Autonomous Indigenous Intercultural University (UAIIN), the Colegio Mayor del Cauca University Institution (Unimayor), the Autonomous University of Cauca, Unicomfacauca, the University of Cauca, the Cooperative University of Colombia, the María Cano University Foundation, Antonio Nariño University, UNAD, and SENA—alongside the Cauca Governor’s Office and the Popayán Mayor’s Office. Together, they drive collaborative efforts in science, technology, innovation, creative work, and knowledge-sharing to address the department’s social, environmental, cultural, educational, and productive challenges.

As part of this collaborative framework, the Roundtable incorporated a component focused on research training and formative research, resulting in a seminar structured into four modules: Discovering the World of Research (University of Cauca and Unimayor); From Curiosity to the Innovation Question (UNAD and UAIIN); Learning Through Research (Popayán University Foundation, María Cano University Foundation, and Antonio Nariño University); and Sharing Ideas and Generating Impact (Unicomfacauca and SENA). Throughout the process, participants strengthened their skills in identifying local issues, formulating research questions, designing proposals, and communicating ideas with the potential to create an impact.

One of the key outcomes was the development of projects by interdisciplinary teams—comprising students from various academic programs across the institutions belonging to the *Mesa* (Roundtable)—which fostered collaborative work and the integration of diverse forms of knowledge to address real local needs. Throughout the process, participants honed their skills in identifying environmental and community issues, formulating research questions, designing proposals, and communicating ideas with the potential to make a significant impact.

The best initiatives will be showcased at the second edition of *Ciencia al Parque* (Science in the Park)—themed «Territories Connected by Knowledge, Technology, and Expertise»—a major regional event dedicated to the dissemination and social appropriation of knowledge, taking place from November 3 to 6 in Timbío, Santander de Quilichao, and Popayán.

The closing event also featured a discussion with students, faculty, and administrators from the participating institutions, reaffirming that research training and the cultivation of scientific vocations are fundamental pillars for building sustainable solutions and transforming the future of Cauca.

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