Journalists from Bucaramanga and its metropolitan area toured the new Complex of the School of Physicomechanical Engineering, an impressive facility spanning more than 25,000 square meters, spread across four floors, a basement, and a rooftop terrace equipped with solar panels.
This facility features 28 specialized laboratories that enhance practical training, research, and innovation for our students and faculty.
“It’s very encouraging. Even if you don’t study or work here, the University is a source of pride for the people of Santander and for each of us individually—especially since it’s a public institution. So it’s gratifying to know that students are receiving a free, high-quality education. “This is, in fact, the latest building inaugurated by the UIS, featuring more than 20 laboratories that are essential for student training. It’s truly impressive, and one can’t help but be amazed by every laboratory one visits,” said Johanna Niño, a journalist with RTVC Noticias.
The tour was led by University President Hernán Porras Díaz and Dean Johann Farith Petit Suárez, along with department chairs and faculty members from the Faculty’s various programs.
“This is a very important networking event because, as we know, this is one of the country’s leading universities. Seeing so many laboratories and research centers where knowledge is not only created but also expanded, disseminated, and shared is, in my view, a clear demonstration of the significance of public universities in Colombia, starting with the UIS. I think it’s a way to showcase the growth, the direction the UIS is heading, and its vision as one of Colombia’s leading public universities,” said Misael Salazar, a journalist from Ciudad Florida.
In addition to its academic impact, this complex also stands out for having been built in record time, considering that construction began on October 31, 2025.
“It’s absolutely amazing; you leave with very valuable information. We realize the leadership role the UIS plays in engineering and innovative fields such as aerospace research. I think the UIS is demonstrating this strength, and all of Colombia should know what’s being done at this university,” commented Fabio Peña Galvis, director of Noticias Hoy.
This complex required an investment of $92,745 million for construction and $11,700 million for equipment, making the project one of the University of Santander’s major infrastructure initiatives.
