The Industrial University of Santander (UIS) is the scene of the First National Meeting of Student Chapters of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Colombia, an event that brings together teachers, researchers and students from six universities in the country around a common goal: to strengthen chemistry as a key tool for the sustainability of a biodiverse nation.
Under the slogan “The power of chemistry for the sustainability of a biodiverse nation”, the meeting, which will last until July 26, takes place at the central campus of the UIS and has the participation of the student chapters of the Universidad del Valle, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de los Andes, Universidad ICESI and Universidad Industrial de Santander, as host.
For the Vice Rector of Research and Extension of the UIS Cristian Blanco Tirado “the American Chemical Society is our organization where all chemists around the world converge to see first hand the scientific, technological and business advances that exist around the world in the area of chemistry”; he also stressed that the Universidad Industrial de Santander “is a user of the services provided by this editorial board because in the library we can have access to all bibliographic resources and additionally information provided by the American Chemical Society”.
During the conference, keynote lectures will be given by leading international experts such as Dr. Shawn Fan, Dr. Felipe Córdova Lozano and Dr. Víctor Quezada, who will share their research and perspectives on the role of chemistry in the resolution of current environmental challenges.
For Carolina Belalcázar Pérez, Manager of the American Chemical Society said that “the student chapter of the UIS is one of the most representative of the country, with 60 students who work daily to promote science and chemistry, not only at the university, but also in surrounding communities. He also emphasized that for “the ACS it is an honor to be here accompanying them and promoting science, chemistry and the desire to investigate from the youngest, from the first semesters to professors and researchers of high stature”.
The event also includes thematic panels and collaborative work tables focused on the formulation and management of environmental projects, the challenges and opportunities of the regions in terms of sustainability, as well as the presentation of successful experiences developed by the different student chapters.
“Having a chapter in Colombia opens the possibilities, for example, of funding that comes through ACS, this has already been represented in the funding that has been given to many students so they can travel, make presentations of their research results, also so they can mature and strengthen their leadership skills” highlighted Fernando Luna Vera, ACS Colombia Chapter Coordinator.
With this meeting, the UIS reaffirms its commitment to science, collaborative work and the training of professionals capable of leading environmental transformations from chemical knowledge and innovation.
