Ciudades y Comunidades Sostenibles

FICT, CIPAT, and CELEC E.P. conducted a geophysical survey campaign in unstable areas of Azuay to characterize subsurface conditions and generate technical information that will contribute to the monitoring, management, and mitigation of risks associated with ground instability.

Civil engineering students enhanced their practical training through a technical visit to a high-rise construction project, where they learned about structural systems, geotechnical solutions, and construction processes, linking the knowledge they acquired in the classroom to real-world engineering challenges.

FICT-ESPOL and Rey Juan Carlos University strengthened their academic cooperation through a technical meeting held from May 26 to 28, 2026. The agenda included a visit to the “Water Sowing, Harvesting, and Reuse for Sustainability (Phase II)” project in Manglaralto, where equipment valued at approximately 10,000 euros was donated. In addition, both institutions reviewed research topics and scientific articles to be developed jointly. Looking ahead, they plan to launch a research project and produce two scientific publications in international collaboration over the next 18 months.

FICT-ESPOL conducted an interdisciplinary field trip to Punta de Piedra, in the Gulf of Guayaquil, to gather hydrological, social, and geophysical data to help understand the subsurface conditions and the community’s water supply needs. Civil engineering and geology students, along with participants from other disciplines, conducted surveys and geophysical tests to estimate water demand and assess groundwater potential. The activity is part of the “Nature-Based Solutions for Integrated Water Management (Phase III)” project and aims to provide technical information for the development of sustainable water resource management alternatives.

FICT-ESPOL held an inter-institutional meeting with representatives from the Ayangue Municipality, the Drinking Water Administrative Board, and various stakeholders from ESPOL to strengthen cooperation and establish a work agenda focused on the sustainable development of the region. Among the priorities identified are drinking water supply, sanitation, drainage, infrastructure, and community empowerment. The initiative includes research, outreach, and community service projects, as well as the use of drones to collect territorial data.

FICT and CIPAT participated in the 31st International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring, and Management of Air Pollution (Air Pollution 2026), held in Bristol, United Kingdom. During the conference, Jairo Dueñas, M.Sc., presented a study on the spatial and temporal variability of PM2.5 in coastal and urban areas of southern Ecuador during the rainy season; Paúl Carrión, dean of FICT, was among the study’s authors. This participation helped raise the profile of ESPOL’s research and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration on environmental issues.

A project led by researchers from FICT-ESPOL will provide scientific evidence to help understand the dynamics and vulnerability of groundwater in the Galápagos, strengthening its sustainable management and contributing to the protection of a vital resource for the island communities.

FICT and CIPAT: ESPOL’s participation in an international conference in the United Kingdom strengthened the global reach of its research through the presentation of 12 studies on sustainable development, highlighting the collaborative work of its researchers and their scientific contributions to addressing environmental, productive, and social challenges.

FICT and CIPAT shared the findings of the AMAZONAS Project to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and promote sustainable land-use management strategies that contribute to environmental conservation and the development of communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

FICT presented a strategic proposal to help transform ESPOL’s Las Peñas Campus into a space for innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary learning, integrating research, community engagement, and academic solutions that have an impact on both the university and society.