The CENIVAM Center of Excellence at the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) has opened registration for two in-person workshop courses designed to enhance knowledge of biodiversity, natural ingredients, and applied innovation processes.
These are “Colors of Nature” and “Aromatic Plants & Essential Oils,” two educational programs designed for the university community, businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and the general public.
These initiatives aim to introduce participants to the scientific, cultural, and productive potential of natural resources through theoretical and practical methodologies developed in specialized facilities at the UIS.
Science, Art, and Biodiversity in “Colors of Nature”
The “Colors of Nature” workshop offers a hands-on experience in which participants will explore the richness of natural pigments and their relationship to human perception.
Through lectures, guided tours, and creative workshops, participants will learn about the chemical and cultural processes associated with colors found in nature, as well as basic concepts regarding how colors and scents influence memory and emotions.
Highlights of the program include:
- Lecture: The Cultural History of Gardens
- Guided Tour: A Stroll Through “A World in a Garden”
- Lecture: The Colors of Nature in Painting
- Interactive Workshop: Natural Pigments in Artisanal Painting (creation of a work of art)
The course will be held on three different dates:
- April 30, 2026
- August 12, 2026
- October 28, 2026
Registration fee: $250,000
Natural Innovation in “Aromatic Plants & Essential Oils”
The “Aromatic Plants & Essential Oils” workshop will provide an introductory overview of the production and value chain for essential oils, covering everything from the cultivation and agronomic management of aromatic plants to distillation processes, quality control, and industrial applications.
During the event, attendees will learn about opportunities for use in sectors such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and aromatherapy.
Course content includes:
Cultivation of aromatic plants: propagation, harvesting, and processing.
Essential oils: definition, classification, and industrial uses.
Distillation of aromatic plants.
Quality control and technical data sheets.
Applications. The production and value chain of essential oils.
Practical demonstration sessions.
Available dates:
- April 22, 2026
- June 5, 2026
- August 27, 2026
Registration fee: $500,000, with a special discount for the UIS community.
Both courses will be led by Dr. Elena Stashenko, a chemist with a Ph.D. and director of CENIVAM.
The sessions will take place at the CENIVAM Pilot Agroindustrial Complex, Building 45, on the main campus of the Industrial University of Santander in Bucaramanga.
Registration
Those interested may register by filling out the official form and completing the corresponding payment process.
For more information, please email cenivamgerencia@tucan.uis.edu.co or call +57 (607) 634 4000, ext. 2560.
