The organizers of the FUNIBER Investiga International Pre-University Award, including the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University, UNIB), announce the winners of the second edition of this competition, which featured the participation of students, teachers, and schools from various countries. In total, educational institutions from Angola, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Peru participated.
A total of 35 projects were submitted, which, through careful observation of their surroundings, conducted research of social or environmental relevance. Most of the projects developed intervention proposals aimed at solving local problems linked to the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Congratulations to all participants!
In the first phase, the jury selected five finalist projects for the oral defense, which took place on April 21. Following this final stage, the jury evaluated the students’ presentations, adding the points to the registered research project.
Announcement of the Winners
1st Place:
- “Sustainable Technology: ECOBOT and School Waste Management at the American School of Cali” – American School of Cali – Prof. Juan Sebastián Cardona Corredor (Colombia) – Student Juan Fernando Rojas Ramírez
2nd place:
- “Effects of plastic nanoparticle pollution on aquatic plants (Elodea ssp.)” – ISM Campus North – Prof. Miguel Sánchez (Ecuador) – Student Paula Buenaño
In addition, certificates of recognition were awarded to the finalist projects for their excellent work.
Special Awards
In the special awards category, the UNIROMANA Award, sponsored by the University of La Romana in the Dominican Republic, the jury decided:
1st place:
Escuela Hogar del Niño, student Arielainz Abigail Báez with the project “Dimensions of Youth Service: Phenomenology in La Romana and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 2026”
2nd place:
Colegio Evangélico Sinaí, students Yanidy Rosario Polanco and Fraylin A. Mora Sánchez, with the project “Proposal for the Replacement of Petroleum-Derived Plastics with Plant-Based Bioplastics.”
At the awards ceremony at the International University of Cuanza (Angola), the UNIC Award went to:
1st place:
“Professor Estevão Nhime” Polytechnic Institute, Huambo, with the project “Encouraging the Mining of Geological Materials for Soil Remediation and Fertilizer Production” by students Lídia Nene Sapuile Cahossi, Luísa Nassapalo da Costa Carlos, and Niquelma Leonor José Pelembi
2nd place:
Sumbe Polytechnic Institute, Cuanza Sul, with the project “Hybrid Hydroelectric–Wind Power System as a Sustainable Strategy for the Electrification of Rural Areas in Angola” by students Liliane Ermelinda Ambrízio, Menezes Augusto Ngola, and Miquilina Amélia Nanga Tomás
Jury’s Decision
The jury highly praised the quality of the submitted projects, the students’ interest and commitment to scientific inquiry, their creativity in developing proposals, and the skills they demonstrated in interpreting, analyzing, evaluating, and proposing studies and interventions for their environment.
More information:
FUNIBER organizes the second edition of the FUNIBER Investiga International Pre-University Award