The Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (Iberoamerican International University, UNIB) and the Iberoamerican University Foundation (FUNIBER), through its Social Action department, announce the five finalists of the first phase of the the International Pre-University Prize – FUNIBER Research.
Among the 30 research projects received, a team composed of faculty members from the academic network in which UNIB participates reviewed and selected the five finalist projects that will advance to the next stage of the Award.
The selection process evaluated the projects based on originality, creativity, academic rigor, as well as the relevance and significance of the topic addressed.
The five finalist projects are:
- Encosta 2030 - Sumbe Polytechnic Institute – Prof. Fernando Baptista Ferreira
- Effects of plastic nanoparticle pollution on aquatic plants (Elodea ssp.) - ISM Campus North – Prof. Miguel Sánchez
- Determinants of access to dental services and basic oral hygiene resources in rural communities of Azuay - Borja Private Educational Unit – Prof. Maria Eulalia Vargas Sicha
- Academic Stigmatization in Technical Health Institutes: Challenges, Psychosocial Impacts, and Proposals for Promoting an Inclusive Educational Environment - Vitalis Private Technical Health Institute – Prof. Isaías Canutula Loth Cossengue
- Sustainable Technology: ECOBOT and School Waste Management at the American School of Cali - American School of Cali – Prof. Juan Sebastian Cardona Corredor
UNIC Special Award
- Hybrid Hydroelectric–Wind System as a Sustainable Strategy for the Electrification of Rural Areas in Angola - Sumbe Polytechnic Institute
- Promoting the Mining of Geological Materials for Soil Correction and Fertilizer Production - Professor Estevão Nhime Polytechnic Institute
UNIROMANA Special Award
- Dimensions of Youth Service: Phenomenology in La Romana and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 2026 - Escuela Hogar del Niño
- Proposal for the Replacement of Petroleum-Derived Plastics with Plant-Based Bioplastics - Centro Educativo Evangélico Sinaí
Finalists for the international award must present an oral defense of their work before the jury on April 21. The presentation will take place virtually. Any finalist project that does not participate in the oral defense will not be eligible for an award.
Teams of finalists for the special awards must defend their projects in person.
FUNIBER Investiga International Pre-University Award
The FUNIBER Investiga Award is supported by the European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO), the International University of Cuanza (UNIC), the International Ibero-American University of Mexico (UNINI Mexico), the International University Foundation of Colombia (UNINCOL), and the University of La Romana (UNIROMANA).
The purpose is to encourage research and knowledge with a positive social impact. This call for entries aims to recognize projects that explore transformative proposals for addressing current challenges. Our goal is to reinforce the ethics and commitment of future professionals to society and their awareness of the social impact of science. We also seek to promote critical and scientific thinking among younger generations.
The topics addressed sought solutions aligned with the sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda.