Celebrating research excellence at the 2024 Scientific Spirit Award Night

The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT- celebrated with great enthusiasm the Night of the Scientific Spirit Award 2024, an event that recognizes the effort, dedication and excellence of researchers who contribute to the advancement of knowledge and academic innovation.

During the event, the rector of UMECIT highlighted the importance of gratitude as a fundamental value of the institution, thanking all those who contribute to academic development. He highlighted the University's commitment to research, mentioning that UMECIT currently has 75 active research projects and works closely with municipalities, mayors' offices and companies to strengthen applied research.

He also mentioned the importance of the strategic allies of this House of Studies, such as the International Bilingual Institute -IBI-, UMECIT FC and various governmental and academic entities, which support and enhance the impact of research.

The rector also highlighted the growth of formative research at the University, with 547 students linked to research groups, the organization of the first Conference of Groups with the participation of 469 students and 44 research projects, and the consolidation of four scientific journals of UMECIT.

Representing the Secretary General of SENACYT, Dr. Eduardo Ortega Barría, Milagros Maineri, Research Director, He stressed the importance of research as a tool for informed decision-making and the generation of innovative solutions to national problems. He highlighted the role of universities and research centers as key spaces for the development of scientific knowledge.

Recognitions in the different categories

71 teachers and 82 students were awarded the Scientific Spirit Award medal for their contribution to research in different disciplines.

On the other hand, within the framework of the Scientific Spirit Award, special recognitions were carried out:

Special Recognition – Strengthening Scientific Dissemination The Doctor Francisco Farnum Castro, Coordinator of the Publications Office of the University of Panama, was honored for his contribution to the development and strengthening of scientific publications in the country.

Special Recognition – Interinstitutional Alliance for the Development of Research at UMECIT The Honorable Elias Corro Cano, Governor of the Province of Herrera, was recognized for his support in the implementation, development and dissemination of institutional research projects in various areas of knowledge.

Special Recognition – Outstanding Graduate The Specialist Lizbeth Ruth González Fuentes, a graduate of the Specialization in Higher Education at UMECIT, was recognized for her ten-year career in formative research and her current work in the "Determination of microbiological contaminants in the work environment."

Scientific Spirit Award – Best Contribution to Strengthening Institutional Research from Academic Management The Licentiate Darinel Suriel Murillo Sanchez He was awarded for his commitment to strengthening the research culture in the Bachelor of Law and Political Sciences.

The following received the highest recognition:

1. Scientific Spirit Award – Innovation in Research The Magister Guillermina Higuera Valdes She was awarded for her outstanding work in developing innovative projects, promoting interdisciplinarity and the creation of new methodologies in scientific research.
2. Scientific Spirit Award – Contribution to the Community The Magister Koritza Del Carmen Ortega Moreno from Rampie, professor and researcher at the Faculty of Health Sciences, La Chorrera Campus, was recognized for her research "Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in construction workers in La Chorrera, Period 2023-2024."
3. Scientific Spirit Award – Outstanding Mentoring The specialist Alexie Manuel Brenes Tejada, professor and researcher at the Faculty of Law and Forensic Sciences, received this award for his hard work in training and guiding students in the “Forensic Laboratories” research group at UMECIT.
4. Scientific Spirit Award – Outstanding New Researcher The Licentiate Migdonio Munoz Rodriguez, from the Faculty of Law and Forensic Sciences, Santiago de Veraguas Campus, was recognized for his recent incorporation into research with notable results in scientific productivity and institutional commitment.
5. Scientific Spirit Award – Researcher of the Year The Doctor Ruben Dario Collantes Gonzalez, professor and researcher at the Faculties of Law and Forensic Sciences and Humanities and Education Sciences, was recognized for his outstanding career, with six publications in indexed journals and his work on the project "Poisonous arthropods of medical and forensic importance in the province of Chiriquí."

Also, within the framework of the celebration of the 20 years of UMECIT, the "Blue Monarch Butterfly" distinction was awarded to Dr. Gilberto Javier Cabrera Trimiño, president of the Scientific Council of the IBERO-AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK (REIMA), for his commitment to education and his strategic alliance with UMECIT, who pointed out that we are in the stage of new challenges for UMECIT and urged the participants to continue carrying out research that will raise the name of our House of Studies.

The Vice-Rector General, Dr. Claudia Marcela Rueda, was in charge of the closing remarks of the event, in which she thanked the University for its efforts and the great work carried out by its teachers, graduates and research team, who have contributed significantly to the development of knowledge. She highlighted the importance of encouraging participation in research and celebrated the growing and significant contribution of the provinces.

He also expressed his appreciation to all the University authorities who work to make this event possible.

The Scientific Spirit Award reaffirms the commitment of UMECIT with research and innovation, honoring those who, with their work and dedication, strengthen the impact of science on society. This event is a testament to the growth of the institution and its commitment to the generation of high-level knowledge.