We recognize research excellence with the Scientific Spirit Award 2025

In a solemn and deeply significant ceremony, the Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT- held the presentation of the Scientific Spirit Award 2025, a recognition that honors the teachers, researchers, graduates and institutions that during the year 2025 made outstanding contributions to the strengthening of institutional scientific research.

This award aims to highlight the research work developed within the framework of the annual calls for research projects and seedbeds, recognizing the commitment, responsibility and excellence of those who contribute knowledge in diverse areas of knowledge, aligned with criteria of relevance and in accordance with the National Plan of Science, Technology and Innovation of Panama.

During the ceremony, not only was academic achievement celebrated, but also the perseverance, the silent effort, and the human vocation of those who have embraced research as an institutional and social mission, contributing to the training of new generations and the responsible transformation of society.

Book launch Science with purpose: Research management at UMECIT 2015–2025

As part of the event, the book launch ceremony took place. Science with purpose: Research management at UMECIT 2015–2025, a work that captures a key stage of institutional growth in science and innovation, constituting an academic record and a strategic vision of UMECIT's commitment to the country and the region.

The presentation included opening remarks by Dr. Magdy De Las Salas, Director of Research and Innovation at UMECIT, who highlighted the evolution of the institutional research ecosystem and its impact on national scientific development.

Categories and special recognitions

The presentation of the 2025 Scientific Spirit Award included recognitions for research professors from all campuses across the country, as well as special recognitions, including:

The Scientific Award Star was presented to Dr. Eduardo Ortega Barría, National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation of Panama, for his leadership and commitment to the national research ecosystem.
Best Contribution to the Strengthening of Institutional Research from Academic Management to Master Roberto Moreno, teacher at the Santiago de Veraguas campus.
Recognition of the Exceptional Graduate for their Sustained Commitment to Institutional Research to Specialist América Martez and Master Gino Osellame Prieto.
Recognition for Contribution to Interinstitutional Alliance for the Development of Research to the Mayor of Chitré, Lic. Juan Carlos Huerta, and the Vice-Mayor of Santiago de Veraguas, Lic. Bernardina Pardo.
Awards for Editorial Work and Commitment to Science, highlighting editors and key collaborators of the UMECIT Scientific Publishing Fund.

🏆 Presentation of Honorable Mentions

Awards were given in various categories, including:

Innovation in Research, to Master Gabriel Caco and Master Annis Campos Ojo, for their research in forensic criminalistics.
Contribution to the Community, to Master Jazmín Díaz and Kerubis Harris, for research with high social impact.
Outstanding Mentoring Award to teacher Karen Botello Núñez.
New Outstanding Researcher, to Master Aldo Bethancourt.
Researcher of the Year 2025, to Master Hermes de Gracia, research professor at the David campus.
Merit for her valuable contribution to the publication of the CATHEDRA Journal of Law and Forensic Sciences, to Master María Piedad Nieto Rojas.
Recognition for his external participation as an environmental manager in service of the development of academic research at UMECIT, to Master Ovidio Solís

With this ceremony, UMECIT reaffirms its commitment to strengthening a solid research culture, generating scientific production with social impact, and consolidating science as a strategic axis of higher education, promoting the active participation of more research teachers in the development of institutional scientific work.