Agua limpia y saneamiento

From January 28 to 31, 2026, researchers from the Center for Research and Applied Projects in Earth Sciences and professors from The Faculty of Earth Sciences Engineering at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral held a training session in Francisco de Orellana as part of a project aimed at strengthening local capacities to address the impacts of illegal mining.

ESPOL, through FICT, seeks to promote a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening access to drinking water and sanitation in Ecuador. The initiative seeks to coordinate efforts between academia, the public sector, and technical actors to develop sustainable solutions, promote applied research, and support decision-making, contributing to improving the quality of life and the efficient management of water resources in the country.

The Faculty of Earth Sciences Engineering (FICT) at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral participated virtually in the Latin American Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems, held in Cartagena de Indias, where it presented research on life cycle assessment in wastewater treatment plants. This participation strengthened the institution's international scientific profile and institutional commitment to sustainable development.

A research professor from the Faculty of Earth Sciences Engineering at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral participated in a technical visit on January 27, 2026, to the APESPOL residential sector in Ayangue, with the aim of initiating a cooperation project focused on road, health, and environmental management.

Civil Engineering students from the FICT at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral made a technical visit to a meteorological station at the University of Guayaquil, where specialists from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology explained how climate variables are monitored, strengthening their practical skills in hydrology.

ESPOL’s FICT is gearing up for THE FINAL PITCH, an academic event where five finalist Capstone Projects from the Petroleum Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Civil Engineering programs will showcase their ability to communicate innovative proposals that address real-world national challenges. The event aims to strengthen communication, argumentation, and presentation skills, promoting innovation and the comprehensive training of future professionals.

Master of Civil Engineering students from FICT–ESPOL participated in a technical site visit to the 'La Toma' Raw Water Pumping Station in Guayaquil to study the SAICA Network’s infrastructure and its real-time quality monitoring systems. The visit served to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, enhancing technical competencies and exposing students to the operational management of large-scale water supply networks.

Geology Engineering students from ESPOL conducted a fieldwork expedition in Santa Elena to apply Hydrogeology and Ecuadorian Geology principles in sites such as Manglaralto and San Vicente. Collaborating with academic experts and the local community, students measured water parameters and analyzed sedimentary environments, linking this practical experience to water sustainability projects and the achievement of SDGs 4 and 6.

FICT-ESPOL successfully hosted the 5MinPitch PAO II 2025 semifinals, where students from Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Civil Engineering presented their capstone projects in five minutes before a specialized jury. This initiative strengthened communication skills and technical argumentation, leading to the selection of five finalist projects focused on solving real-world engineering challenges.

From January 14 to 17, 2026, a multidisciplinary team led by M.Sc. Kenny Escobar Segovia installed corner reflectors in the Paute sector, Azuay, to calibrate Sentinel-1 satellite signals and monitor ground deformation using DInSAR technology. This strategic initiative aims to ensure the stability of the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex and the safety of surrounding communities, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals to strengthen infrastructure and risk management in Ecuador.