UMECIT recognizes the Scientific Spirit in a Prestige Gala
UMECIT recognizes the Scientific Spirit in a Prestige Gala
The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology, UMECIT, celebrated a night of distinction and recognition at its Annual Gala, where the prestigious Scientific Spirit Award was presented. This event, held in the elegant setting of the Riu Plaza Hotel in Panama City, brought together around 170 distinguished guests, including students, teachers and graduates from various UMECIT locations.
The Scientific Spirit Award is a special recognition that highlights the commitment and dedication of those who contribute to the development of institutional research and which aims to highlight the research work carried out by teachers, students and graduates, who within the framework of the annual calls for registration of research projects and research seedbeds, have accepted the invitation of our House of Studies, aware of the importance of research within institutional management and the decision to become active agents in the development of the culture of research and scientific production, with criteria of relevance, which not only promotes UMECIT, but has been the banner of the management of the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation of Panama. This is how this event becomes a tribute to those who, with effort and passion, promote the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge in the University and in society.
During the Gala, Dr. José Alberto Nieto Rojas, Rector of UMECIT, highlighted the crucial importance of research in the training of professionals and the progress of the country. He highlighted the institution's commitment to promoting a research culture and the development of projects that positively impact vulnerable communities.
UMECIT currently has 67 active research projects, involving more than 200 researchers, including teachers, students and graduates. These projects cover various areas of knowledge and aim to offer real solutions to tangible problems in society, impacting vulnerable regions and offering real alternative solutions to basic and tangible needs. Important allies have joined in this titanic work, such as the International Bilingual Institute of Panama, UMECIT Fútbol Club, Ministry of the Environment, Municipality of Chitré, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Specialized Center for Physiotherapy, Universidad Santo Tomás de Bucaramanga (Colombia). , Luis Amigó University (Medellín), Pontificia Bolivariana de Montería and the Ibero-American Environment Network.
Nieto Rojas also made reference to the 162 students linked to the research hotbeds in the various faculties and the impact that social links have through studies that are impacting: Azuero Region: Corregimiento de Monagrillo in; El Bebedero de Tonosí community; Chitré Landfill; Province of Chiriquí-Bocas del Toro: Community of Los Zambranos (Bijagual); Alanje Community; Changuinola (Bocas del Toro); Panama Oeste Province: Community adjacent to the Caimito River; Chame; Colón neighborhood and Balboa neighborhood of La Chorrera; Veraguas-Coclé Province: Aguadulce; Santiago de Veraguas; Soná; Community of San Antonio; Districts of Cañaza, Calobre, San Francisco and Santa Fe; Panama Province: IBI students; UMECIT FC Soccer Teams; Music and Art Foundation of Panama; Vulnerable communities of Panama Este and the Community of Villa Keresia (Darién)
The space was conducive for Doctor Magdy De las Salas, Director of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, to present the “UMECIT Research Observatory”, as a space for the dissemination of the scientific products generated by our researchers. He also announced the new image of the institutional scientific journals
Within the framework of the Scientific Spirit Award, special recognition was granted for his “Contribution to the advancement of science, research and innovation in the Republic of Panama”, to Dr. Eduardo Ortega Barría, National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Special recognitions were also awarded to those who, during the year 2023, stood out in a special way by developing actions that have contributed to the advancement of institutional research:
como “Best contribution to strengthening institutional research from academic management”, Master Ogami Rivera Cano, Academic Coordinator of the Faculty of Law and Forensic Sciences, was recognized.
“Best external contribution in the training of human talent and dissemination of science at UMECIT” to Dr. Gilberto Javier Cabrera Trimiño, President of the Scientific Council of the Ibero-American Environment Network.
“Recognition of the exceptional graduate for his sustained commitment to institutional research” to Mr. Angel Santos Pérez González, graduate of the Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Management Administration, Chitré campus
Recognition for exceptional work by “Editorial Management of UMECIT scientific journals” to the Chief editors of our journals, to Magister AMELIA SARCO Santo, Dr. Magdy De las Salas Barroso, Gino Pietro Osellame Rosillo and Mr. Arturo Nieto Núñez for their invaluable performance in the layout and layout processes of UMECIT scientific journals .
“Contribution in inter-institutional alliance for the development of research at UMECIT” to the following institutions: The Ibero-American Environment Network, Ecuador; UMECIT Football Club; the International Bilingual Institute of Panama; Luis Amigó University, Medellín headquarters, Colombia; the Santo Tomás University, Bucaramanga Campus, Colombia; to the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Montería Campus, Colombia and to the National Institute of Psychiatry of Mexico.
The night closed by recognizing the outstanding achievements of some of the most brilliant researchers in our academic community, through the presentation of our highest award: The Research and Innovation Badge.
The category: Exceptional Collaborationl to Magister Luis Gabriel Rangel Caballero, from the Universidad Santo Tomás, Bucaramanga, Colombia, for his invaluable contributions in physiotherapy and physical education research.
The category: Research Innovation to Specialist Mijaid Tuñon, teacher and researcher at the Faculty of Law and Forensic Sciences. La Chorrera Headquarters. The category: Contribution to the Community to the masters Camila Lizbeth Cisneros Abrego and Hilmarie Eugenia Vega Peralta, teachers and researchers at the Faculty of Technology, Construction and Environment, Santiago Campus. The category: Outstanding Mentoring to Doctor Claudia Marcela Arana Medina, teacher and researcher at the Faculty of Health Sciences in the Bachelor's degree in General Psychology and in the Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences in the Doctoral Degree in Educational Sciences. The category: New Featured Researcher, to Magister Roberto Moreno, from the Santiago headquarters and the Category: Researcher of the Year, to Doctor Yovani Edgar Chávez Rodríguez, teacher and researcher of the Faculties of Nautical Sciences and of Humanities and Educational Sciences in the Doctorate degree in Sciences of The education.
The event included the participation of Dr. Omar López Alfano, Technical Secretary of the National Research System, representing Dr. Eduardo Ortega, National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation; Dr. Jaime Gutiérrez, Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Studies of the University of Panama and Dr. Francisco Farnum, Director of the Scientific Publications Office of the University of Panama; Dr. Gilberto Javier Cabrera, president of the Scientific Council of the Ibero-American Environment Network, REIMA; Lic. Patricia Acevedo. Director of the International Bilingual Institute; Dr. Juan David Nieto, president of UMECIT Fútbol Club; Dr. William Olivares, president of the Panama Lidera Foundation, who was the speaker at the gala; Lic. Nelly Coleman, member of the Panama Lidera executive team.
This UMECIT Prestige Gala was a memorable event that recognized and celebrated the commitment to the scientific spirit, demonstrating the institution's commitment to academic excellence and the progress of Panamanian society and beyond.
