Ciudades y Comunidades Sostenibles

A study published in Construction and Building Materials analyzes the geomorphological and lithological factors that influence susceptibility to landslides in the Ecuadorian Andes, integrating advanced machine learning models. The research identified key variables such as slope, lithology, and proximity to drainage systems, generating high-precision maps for risk management.

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’s FICT held the academic talk ‘Exploring the Amazon from Space: GIS and Remote Sensing in University Education,’ aimed at strengthening academic training through the use of geospatial tools. During the event, a scientific article analyzing the expansion of illegal mining in Zamora Chinchipe was presented, highlighting the use of GIS and remote sensing—developed by the faculty of ingenieria en...—to understand territorial dynamics, support decision-making, and prevent environmental and social impacts in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

The Advisory Board of the STARS project, funded by Erasmus+ and led by the University of Lisbon, brought together entities from Ecuador and Colombia, with the participation of ESPOL and other universities, to strengthen training and cooperation in disaster risk management.

ESPOL signed an addendum to the tripartite cooperation agreement with CELEC E.P. to expand the technical and scientific scope of applied research in geological and geotechnical studies at the CELEC-SUR unit. The expansion includes additional funding to carry out new soil and rock mechanics tests and geophysical studies, strengthening the characterization of the territory, the security of energy infrastructure, and coordination between academia and the strategic sector.

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.

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 FICT–ESPOL carried out a technical visit to major urban road projects in Guayaquil as part of the course Installations, strengthening their practical learning through direct observation of construction processes, project management, and the impact of engineering on mobility and sustainable urban development.

FICT-ESPOL held the keynote lecture 'Road Drainage and Resilience in Pavement Design' for Civil Engineering students, delivered by specialist Alberto Jarrín. The event bridged university theory with professional practice, analyzing runoff management and the design of climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure the durability and safety of the country’s roads.

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.