The Industrial University of Santander (UIS), through the Department of Pediatrics and the School of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Faculty of Health, played a prominent role in the National Congress on Nutrition, Parenting, and Health: Healthy Children, Strong Communities, an event organized by the Colombian Society of Pediatrics, which brought together national experts in pediatrics, nutrition, public health, and child development on October 24 and 25, 2025.
Representing the UIS were Dr. Jürg Niederbacher, dean of the Faculty of Health, Dr. Alberto Ángel Martín, director of the School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Fabián Alberto Rueda Zambrano, UIS professor, pediatrician, and child care specialist, and Dr. Francisco Manrique Rincón, UIS professor and pediatric cardiologist.
During the two days of the congress, UIS professors participated as speakers and panelists in academic sessions focused on child nutrition and disease prevention from early childhood, respectful parenting strategies and family support, the interaction between diet, physical activity, and cardiovascular health in children and adolescents, and the impact of caregiving practices on comprehensive development and emotional well-being.
Institutional participation highlighted the scientific and academic contribution of the UIS in the field of child health and nutrition, emphasizing the university’s commitment to training professionals, high-impact research, and coordinated work with entities in the health sector.
“For the UIS, it is essential to strengthen these spaces that connect knowledge with the reality of the country. Child health is a collective responsibility that requires science, social commitment, and interdisciplinary work,” said Dr. Jürg Niederbacher, dean of the Faculty of Health, during his speech.
The event concluded with an invitation to continue promoting initiatives that foster healthy childhoods and stronger communities through policy, education, research, and support for families.
