From November 20 to 22, the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) hosted the 8th Colombian Astronomy and Astrophysics Congress. The event brought together prominent researchers, students, and national and international experts, providing a dynamic space for the exchange of ideas, discussions, and collaborative projects. Framed within the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Halley Group for Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Aerospace Sciences, the congress transformed Bucaramanga into the scientific capital of Colombia in this field.
Centered on the theme “Building a Nation Through Astronomy,” the event featured a rich program that included plenary lectures, parallel talks, poster sessions, and forums. A key highlight of the congress was the emphasis on the importance of such gatherings to strengthen the scientific community. According to Iván Sidelnik, Head of the Neutron Physics Department at the Bariloche Atomic Center and PhD in Physics:
“Conferences and workshops like this allow us to meet in person, which makes it easier to solve problems and engage in deeper interaction between research groups. Without these spaces, the scientific community would lose cohesion. Being in the same setting creates synergy among researchers from various countries, resulting in significant impact.”
The congress stood out not only for its academic excellence but also for its significance in celebrating the Halley Group’s four decades of pioneering research in astrophysics in Colombia. Luis Núñez, a professor in the UIS School of Physics, shared:
“For these days, we turned Bucaramanga into the astrophysical and astronomical capital of Colombia, commemorating 40 years of the Halley Group. We welcomed numerous top-tier national and international speakers who engaged with our students and colleagues. Many also praised UIS for its interesting infrastructure and a campus recognized for its beauty.”
The congress also addressed the critical topic of gender equity in science, a growing concern in academic and scientific circles. Lauren Flor Torres, a professor of the Astronomy program at the Universidad de Antioquia and co-founder of CHIA – Colombian Women in Astroscience Research, commented:
“These spaces show Colombian women that they’re not alone, that others have faced similar challenges and succeeded. This helps create local role models, foster connections, and most importantly, inspire and motivate those just beginning their journeys.”
The 8th Colombian Astronomy and Astrophysics Congress not only achieved its scientific goals but also reaffirmed UIS and the Halley Group’s commitment to advancing academic, technological, and cultural development in Colombia through astronomy and astrophysics. This landmark event further established Bucaramanga as a national scientific hub and an international research reference point.
