Acción por el Clima

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.

ESPOL joined an international CCUS network, strengthening its position in carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies. The process was led by FICT, which presented the institutional capabilities in this strategic area. The integration promotes international cooperation, scientific exchange, and the development of projects related to the energy transition.

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 has secured funding in the 2025 CEDIA R+D+i Universities Call for the project: 'Evaluation of the recovery potential of critical minerals present in mine tailings.' The research will be conducted in 2026 and will address the responsible management of mining waste and the recovery of strategic minerals, featuring a team led by FICT faculty in collaboration with both national and international universities.

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.

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.

ESPOL's FICT conducted a field visit to the Balbanera–Pallatanga road section as part of the “Permeable Pavements for High Traffic” project. The activity allowed for the identification of the pilot site and the evaluation of the pavement, drainage system, and structural behavior of the road under real conditions, with the aim of validating laboratory results and strengthening the development of innovative solutions for road infrastructure.

FICT-ESPOL hosted Dr. Marisa Giuffrida, a researcher from the University of Catania (Italy), for a scientific stay focused on the mineralogical study of rocks on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. This collaboration, carried out under the Climred and Peligal projects alongside Dr. Maurizio Mulas' team, seeks to decipher the geological origin of the archipelago. In addition to the scientific contributions, this alliance with the University of Catania —the oldest in Sicily— strengthens the Faculty's internationalization, paving the way for future exchange programs for students and researchers.