Ciudades y Comunidades Sostenibles

FICT–ESPOL researchers conducted a field trip to the Minas San Francisco Power Plant to carry out geoelectrical studies focused on subsurface characterization and geotechnical risk management. During the visit, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) tests and vertical electrical soundings (VES) were performed. The results will provide key information for technical decision-making, water seepage control, and the safety of the energy infrastructure.

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.

FICT researcher Divar Castro Rodas, M.Sc., received the award for Best Oral Presentation at The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Land, organized by MDPI Land magazine. His work presented a comparative analysis of supervised classification algorithms applied to land use and land cover in Guayaquil, highlighting the scientific contribution of FICT and ESPOL in the international academic arena.

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.

FICT-ESPOL and Corporación Agua para Todos are strengthening their strategic alliance to implement advanced water treatment technologies, bridging the gap between academic scientific rigor and the corporate sector's operational needs. This partnership not only drives sustainable solutions for water access in communities (SDGs 6 and 17) but also transforms our students' education by allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhancing their technical judgment and social responsibility before graduation.

FICT-ESPOL enhances postgraduate education through field practices in its Master's in Geotechnics program. Under the guidance of expert Maurizio Mulas, students conducted stratigraphic column logging, applying real technical criteria to strengthen decision-making in infrastructure projects. This experience reflects ESPOL's academic excellence, which combines scientific rigor with hands-on learning to train leaders in engineering.

Aquí tienes la traducción al inglés, manteniendo el tono profesional y resaltando el logro del estudiante: "Demian Román Abad, a Civil Engineering student at FICT-ESPOL, made history by becoming the first student nationwide to receive the Academic Excellence Recognition from the Holcim Academy. With a perfect score of 10/10 in the program's seventh cohort, Demian stands out as a benchmark for elite training at ESPOL—a pioneer institution of this alliance that seeks to empower young talent and bridge the gap between academic rigor and the sustainability demands of the global industry.

FICT-ESPOL will co-lead the international STARS project, funded by the Erasmus+ program, to strengthen disaster prevention in South America through the use of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence, GIS, and satellite data. Led by Dr. Andrés Velástegui in partnership with universities from Portugal, Sweden, and Colombia, this initiative will modernize laboratories and develop academic capacities aligned with the SDGs for innovation and sustainable cities.

The Holcim Academy 2025 – II PAO successfully concluded after three months of hands-on training in concrete technology, solidifying the long-standing strategic alliance between Holcim and ESPOL. This academy-industry partnership boosted technical knowledge transfer and professional skill development for engineering students, preparing them with high standards of sustainability and efficiency to meet the current challenges of the country's construction sector.

ESPOL's FICT obtained external funding from CELEC E.P. to develop an 18-month project that will apply DInSAR techniques with Sentinel-1 images to monitor ground deformations in the area of influence of CELEC SUR. The research will support risk management and energy infrastructure.