The organizers of the FUNIBER Investiga International Pre-University Award, which include the International Ibero-American University, celebrate the success of the first edition of this competition, which was attended by students, teachers and schools from different countries. In total, educational centers from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela participated.
A total of 25 projects were submitted, with innovative ideas, observation of the environment, proposals for community application and social or environmental relevance that seek to analyze local problems linked to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. Congratulations to all participants!
In the first phase, the jury chose 5 finalist projects for the oral defense that took place on February 18th. After this last stage, the jury evaluated the students' presentation, adding the points to the registered research project.
Announcement of the winners
1st place: “Social anxiety disorder in adolescents at Gimnasio Campestre School”, Gimnasio Campestre School, Colombia. Teacher Tatiana Mendoza Cardozo and students Paula Gutiérrez and Sharom Martínez.
2nd place: “Phytoremediation and filtration of contaminated water from the Machángara River, Quito - Ecuador”, Colegio ISM North, Ecuador. Teacher Igor Miguel Sánchez Zarria and students Victoria Emilia Paredes Trujillo and Camila Anahí Suárez Mármol.
Honorable Mentions
“Establishment of native stingless bee hives with sixth graders at the Gimnasio Campestre School in the city of Ibagué” - Colegio Gimnasio Campestre, Colombia. Teacher Tatiana Mendoza and students Gabriel Vásquez, Samuel Quijano and Sara Gutiérrez.
In addition, diplomas of recognition are awarded to the finalist projects for the excellent work carried out:
- “Proposal of an experiment to validate conditions of methanophilic bacterial life on Titan and its use to combat climate change”, Alexander von Humboldt German School in Mexico, teacher Gabriela Elizabeth Covantes Rosales and student Noémie Morales Jung.
- “Recuperação do Cerrado: Implantação de uma Estufa de Mudas Nativas como Estratégia de Preservação e Educação Ambiental” (Recovery of the Cerrado: Implementation of a Greenhouse for Native Seedlings as a Strategy for Preservation and Environmental Education), CEPI Oemis Virginio Machado, Brazil, professor Adão Gonçalves De Oliveira Júnior and students.
Jury's decision
The jury positively evaluated the quality of the projects presented, especially the finalists who have demonstrated knowledge of the subject matter, as well as the ability to interpret, analyze, evaluate and propose studies and interventions for their environment.
“Congratulations to all the finalists and especially to the winners. May they all be encouraged to maintain their curiosity and continue investigating,” said Cristina Ceballos Araoz, academic coordinator of the FUNIBER Psychology department and member of the jury.
More information:
We launch the FUNIBER Investiga International Pre-University Award