The Guatiguará Technology Park became the setting where curiosity was sparked, ideas shone, and dreams began to take shape. In this space dedicated to knowledge and innovation, “A Date with Science” took place—an event that brought together students from the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area for an enriching and inspiring experience.
The day began with two lectures led by female scientists, who shared their professional experiences and their careers as researchers, offering attendees an up-close look at the challenges and achievements in the world of science.
Afterward, the students took a tour of the park’s various laboratories, where they learned firsthand about the research being conducted there and the scientific contributions of the Industrial University of Santander to society.
Growing interest in science
The main purpose of the event was to foster an interest in science from an early age, with a particular focus on encouraging girls and young women to get involved in the world of science. Lizeth Carolina Vargas Núñez, a member of the organizing committee, emphasized this point: “The purpose of the event is to foster an interest in science from an early age, starting in schools, and to inspire girls to participate in these events and in science. It also aims to highlight the role of women in science and give girls the opportunity to visit the university’s laboratories.”
Academics also emphasized the importance of these spaces for guiding the next generation. Clara Inés Sánchez Suárez, a university professor, stated: “It’s an opportunity to show them how specialized and fascinating microorganisms are in the case of microbiology, and to guide them toward areas of knowledge they might enjoy and that could encourage them to continue their education at the university level.”
Experiences that inspire future generations
For the students, the experience represented a significant opportunity to explore their future career paths. Sara Rodríguez Vargas, a student at Humberto Gómez Nigrinis High School, said: “This visit is important because I’d like to study medicine, so this knowledge helps me broaden the path I want to follow. I think it’s great, since it allows us to learn more about the sciences offered at UIS.”
Similarly, María Camila Jerez Candela, a student at Colegio Centro de Comercio, highlighted the impact of the event: “I think it’s incredibly innovative and creative—it shows us new things about science. I really enjoyed the experience because I learned new things. It sparked a greater passion in me for the world of science and research. Thank you very much to the university for this opportunity.”
The event celebrated the power of education as a driver of change, motivating new generations to explore, question, and dream big, reaffirming that science is a key tool for transforming realities.
