ESPOL’s Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) inaugurated the SIKA Chair for the First Phase of the PAO 2026 at an event held on May 22 in the school’s conference room. The initiative reaffirms FICT’s commitment to an academic education that is aligned with industry needs and focused on developing professionals skilled in technologies and solutions applied to the construction sector.
The event brought together representatives from SIKA, academic officials, faculty members, and civil engineering students, who learned about the chair’s objectives and scope, as well as opportunities for collaboration between ESPOL and SIKA. During the event, the importance of creating opportunities to complement university education through technical experiences, specialized content, and exposure to the professional world was emphasized.
The institutional dialogue addressed topics related to technical training, academic development, industry partnerships, and potential avenues for applied research. Additionally, Paúl Carrión, Ph.D., Dean of the FICT, mentioned the possibility of promoting future exchange and collaboration opportunities for students, thereby strengthening their professional competencies and preparing them to address the current challenges facing the productive sector.
Representatives from SIKA expressed their willingness to continue working together with academia through training activities and new initiatives that contribute to strengthening applied learning. These efforts aim to promote a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with experiences linked to the professional and technological realities of the industry.
As part of the inauguration, the first module of the course, titled “Sikatherm® – Thermal Insulation Systems for Facades,” was held, during which attendees learned about the technical concepts, applications, and benefits of thermal insulation systems used in construction. This event helped strengthen the exchange of specialized knowledge and highlighted the value of cooperation between the university and industry in training future professionals.
Mesa Board of Directors at the Inauguration of the Sika Chair
Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) at ESPOL
Ing. Paúl Carrión, Ph.D. - Dean of the FICT
Ing. Kenny Escobar, M.Sc. - Associate dean of the FICT
Ing. Paulina Vilela, Ph.D. - Coordinator of the Civil Engineering Program
Sika
Ing. Ivan López | SIKA Manager
Ing. Erick Calle | Product Engineer
Ing. David Gabino | Product Engineer
FICT Coordination for the Sika Chair
Arch. Eunice Lindao, M.Sc. | General Coordinator - Business Chairs in Civil Engineering
Eng. Nadia Lagasca Loaiza, MSc. | Technical instructor
Eng. Carola Zavala Maridueña, MSc. | Civil Engineering Professor
Eng. Kevin Loor Figueroa, M.Sc. | Laboratory Technician
Eng. Karla Filian Haz, M.Sc. | Graduate Programs Analyst
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
