UNTUMBES Launches First Research Expo: 'Investiga, Innova, Transforma'

The event is inaugurated by key figures from the Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, including Dr. Enrique Benítez Juárez (Rector), Dr. Alcides Hidrogo Vázquez (Academic Vice-Rector), Dr. Javier López Céspedes (Vice-Rector of Research), and Dr. Xiomara Calle Ramírez (Director of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Office).

The first Expoferia, titled 'Investiga, Innova, Transforma', is officially opened with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the start of a series of future expos at the Universidad Nacional de Tumbes.

Dr. Enrique Benítez Juárez delivers an inaugural speech emphasizing the importance of university research in addressing real-world problems. He highlights that the expo features 18 stands showcasing research results that reflect creativity, rigor, and commitment to Tumbes and the nation.

The rector acknowledges the presence of companies and entrepreneurs as strategic allies in bridging technological gaps and transforming ideas into marketable products and services. He stresses that the expo serves as a platform for collaboration and innovation, aiming to enhance competitiveness and well-being in the region.

Dr. Benítez encourages students to engage with the exhibits, interact with presenters, and explore potential collaborations, emphasizing that the expo is a demonstration of how curiosity and persistence can lead to solutions. He invites students to envision their role in future research and innovation.

The rector officially declares the first Expoferia of Research Results inaugurated, reiterating the themes of investigation, innovation, and transformation as central to the event's purpose.

The event, titled 'I Expoferia de Resultados de Investigación, Investiga, Innova y Transforma', is introduced at the Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, highlighting its significance in showcasing future research developments.

The ceremony features several key figures, including Dr. Enrique Benítez Juárez, the rector of Universidad Nacional de Tumbes; Dr. Alcides Hidrogo Vásquez, the vice-rector academic; Dr. Javier López Césedes, the vice-rector of research; and Dr. Xiomara Calle Ramírez, the director of Innovation and Technological Transfer. The presence of regional authorities, business representatives, entrepreneurs, faculty, students, and special guests is acknowledged.

The event proceeds with the singing of the national anthem of Peru, fostering a sense of national pride and unity among attendees, followed by the regional anthem of Tumbes, further emphasizing local identity and heritage.

The event commenced with a celebratory shout of '¡Viva el cumpleaños!' followed by an invitation for attendees to take their seats. Dr. Javier López-Éspedes, the Vice-Rector of Research, was introduced to deliver the welcoming remarks on behalf of the event's organizing committee.

Dr. López-Éspedes acknowledged several key figures present at the event, including Dr. Oscar Mendoza Neira, Dean of the Faculty of Fishing Engineering, and Miguel Puestachude, the elected Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. He also recognized various regional and local representatives, including the president of the regional government, the provincial mayor of Tumbes, and directors from health and agriculture sectors, such as Dr. Carlos Coronado and Engineer Pablo César González Rocío.

Dr. López-Éspedes emphasized the significance of research as mandated by the university law (Law 3220), which states that research is an essential and obligatory function of universities aimed at generating knowledge and technological development to meet societal needs, particularly focusing on national realities. He articulated that at the Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, research is viewed as a commitment, with projects developed by faculty and students intended to extend beyond laboratories and institutional repositories to actively contribute solutions to society, thereby enhancing the well-being of the region and the country.

The event showcases the efforts of faculty and students at the Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, emphasizing their commitment to addressing real-world issues, enhancing the quality of life, and promoting sustainable development through scientific, ethical, and humanistic perspectives.

The exposition highlights the significance of collaboration among academia, public institutions, and the business sector. It stresses that universities cannot work in isolation and must engage with public institutions, which manage budgets and understand regional challenges, and the business sector to effectively address local issues.

The Universidad Nacional de Tumbes is presenting 30 selected research results concentrated in various fields, including agrarian sciences, medical sciences, health sciences, engineering and technology, natural sciences, and social sciences, demonstrating the university's diverse research capabilities.

Recently, the university's council approved funding of 1,200,000 soles from the university's Canon to support eight research projects, indicating a strong commitment to enhancing research infrastructure and support for faculty members.

In 2026, the Universidad Nacional de Tumbes will host a significant meeting of vice-rectors of research from three universities, scheduled for October 1 and 2, aimed at showcasing the university's research initiatives and fostering collaboration across institutions in Peru.

The first exposition of research results, themed 'Investigate, Innovate, and Transform,' was officially inaugurated, symbolizing a collective effort to make science and innovation foundational to the development of the border region of Tumbes.

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude towards the vice-rector of research and an invitation to Dr. Xiomara Calle Ramírez, director of the Direction of Innovation and Technological Transfer, to provide insights into the development and objectives of the expo.

The event is centered on showcasing research from the Tumbes region, emphasizing contributions not only from the Universidad Nacional de Tumbes but also from basic education institutions, academies, and other local entities. The aim is to create a platform that connects academia with institutions and businesses, fostering collaboration and addressing regional challenges through impactful research.

The speaker expresses gratitude to attendees and encourages them to engage actively, highlighting the importance of taking away knowledge and spreading it further. This inaugural expoferia is seen as a historic moment for the Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, marking a commitment to ongoing regional development through research.

The Vice-Rector of Research at the Universidad Nacional de Tumbes presents a gift to the rector, Dr. Enrique Benítez Juárez, acknowledging his leadership. This moment is part of a series of acknowledgments to various dignitaries, including academic and health officials, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the event.

The speaker reflects on the significance of the first expoferia, organized by the Vice-Rectorate of Research and the Directorate of Innovation. This event is positioned as a landmark occasion in the history of the university, aimed at promoting innovation and technological transfer in the region.

The event transitions into a guided tour of the various stands set up for the expoferia, inviting regional authorities, special guests, and students to participate. This tour is led by Dr. Fiumara Calle Ramírez, the director of innovation and technology transfer, emphasizing the interactive and inclusive nature of the expoferia.