UIS Professor Ángel Manuel Meléndez Reyes took research developed in Bucaramanga on advanced materials, electrochemistry and scientific solutions for environmental challenges to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) during an academic mobility held from September 28 to October 2.
Professor Ángel Manuel Meléndez Reyes, from the School of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science at Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) and director of the Electrochemistry Laboratory, presented research developed at UIS to the academic community of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City.
The academic mobility took place at UNAM’s University City as part of the activities of the Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering (PCEIM). The agenda, supported by UNAM, brought together students, professors and researchers from different university units.
During his stay, Professor Meléndez Reyes presented a series of lectures entitled “Materials that React, Evolve and Decontaminate,” focusing on research related to advanced materials, electrochemistry and environmental solutions for the extractive metallurgical industry.
Research to address environmental challenges
One of the projects that attracted particular interest was recent research led by Professor Meléndez Reyes on the development of advanced materials aimed at contributing to the remediation of water affected by illegal mining activities involving cyanide and potentially generating contamination by mercury and other heavy metals.
At the proof-of-concept stage, the materials developed have shown the potential to contribute to the removal of mercury, cyanide species and other metallic contaminants from aqueous systems through electrochemical processes and transformations occurring at material interfaces.
The research is particularly relevant in countries such as Colombia and Mexico, where certain mining activities pose environmental challenges that require scientific and technological responses adapted to local conditions.
For Professor Meléndez Reyes, this type of research also raises an important question about the role of science in Latin America: the need to generate knowledge and technologies that not only reproduce solutions developed elsewhere, but also address the specific challenges faced by the region.
A mobility connecting laboratories and people
The academic agenda went beyond the lectures. Professor Meléndez Reyes visited several scientific facilities at UNAM, including the Faculty of Chemistry, the Institute for Materials Research, the Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, the Institute of Physics, the Acoustics and Vibrations Laboratory, and the Faculty of Engineering.
He also visited the Mario Molina Building, part of the Research and Industry Support Services Unit of the Faculty of Chemistry, where he learned about scientific infrastructure and discussed potential areas for collaboration with researchers.
These meetings provided an opportunity to learn about the work carried out by undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, professors and academic technicians.
Beyond infrastructure and equipment, one of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the willingness of UNAM researchers to share their knowledge and open their laboratories. For Professor Meléndez Reyes, this exchange demonstrated that scientific cooperation is also built through trust, generosity and relationships among people.
UIS presents its capabilities to UNAM
The mobility also showcased UIS’s scientific and academic capabilities, particularly those of the School of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, the Electrochemistry Laboratory and the Guatiguará Technology Park.
These meetings identified opportunities for UNAM students to undertake internships and research stays at UIS, complement their training in specialized areas, and gain experience in fields such as non-destructive testing and materials characterization.
As part of this exchange, the School of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science’s electronic book was shared with students and professors at UNAM, providing information about UIS academic programs, research areas and training opportunities.
In this way, the mobility created a two-way exchange: while the UIS professor presented research developed in Bucaramanga, he also introduced the Mexican academic community to the scientific, academic and technological capabilities of the University.
New opportunities for UIS–UNAM cooperation
One of the outcomes of the experience is the projection of new exchange activities between the two institutions. Among them is the possibility of hosting a UNAM professor-researcher for a research stay at the UIS Electrochemistry Laboratory.
Future student internships, academic stays and collaborative research projects are also being explored to expand training and cooperation opportunities for students and professors.
The visit of Professor Enrique Salas to UIS, Professor Ángel Manuel Meléndez Reyes’ mobility to UNAM and the activities that may emerge from these encounters are part of a growing network of academic connections.
For UIS, this mobility represents an opportunity to strengthen the international visibility of research developed in Bucaramanga, deepen its relationship with UNAM and create new pathways for academic mobility, training and scientific cooperation.
