Research is key to Colombia's development

This woman holds a degree in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Cundinamarca. She has a specialization in Integrated Telecommunications Management and a master's degree in Teaching Exact and Natural Sciences from the National University of Colombia.

The magazine Generación Siglo XXI met with her to discuss this topic, which is part of the institution's core functions within the framework of its Transmodern Digital Educational Model.

Generation 21st Century Magazine: What is your assessment of the Axioma research group?

Luz Jaddy Castañeda Rodríguez: The Axioma research group's strength lies in its basic science component. In that sense, we can
Working with applied mathematics in general and basic sciences in different contexts and areas of engineering has been an advantage, as it has allowed us to involve students from various programs, and in this way, we support research projects from this group from the perspective of basic sciences.

From there, a research group emerged, comprised of systems engineering students, but at one point we also had students from the Environmental Engineering program. Currently, we have four students involved in an aquaponics project and one student supporting a very interesting community engagement initiative.

Generation 21st Century Magazine: ¿Why is it important for young people to get involved in these kinds of initiatives from their first semesters?

Luz Jaddy Castañeda Rodríguez: This is quite relevant because they acquire new skills, both soft and hard, that will serve them well in their future professional lives. In fact, the difference is tangible between those who enter this academic dynamic in their early semesters and those who do so toward the end of their degree. The former perform better, having developed skills such as public speaking, writing, research, teamwork, and interacting easily with other research groups globally, among others.

Generation XXI Magazine: How are you progressing in the categorization process of the groups before MinCiencias?

Luz Jaddy Castañeda Rodríguez: Currently, the group is in the "recognized" category, and we don't yet have any members officially categorized, but we are in the process of obtaining that categorization from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MinCiencias) in accordance with the guidelines of the Research Office. To that end, we are developing work plans to achieve this, both within the research groups and with the researchers, of whom we currently have three. The goal is to reach this objective next year. We hope to have the corresponding categorization by the end of 2024.

Generation 21st Century Magazine: How is the university's Transmodern Digital Educational Model being implemented?

Luz Jaddy Castañeda Rodríguez: The model is evident when research projects are developed to address the problems within the municipality's environment, in accordance with the various proposals that seek to resolve those issues. This is achieved through interdisciplinary collaboration with other programs to create synergy.

Generation 21st Century Magazine: What is your opinion of a country like Colombia, in which only 0.81% of the gross domestic product is invested in research?

Luz Jaddy Castañeda Rodríguez: This is serious because investment in research is always directly proportional to the development of science and technology in a country. Although we in academia have a strong commitment to changing this situation, planting that seed in our students, it is clearly necessary for the government to raise awareness and continuously improve research policies with increased resources. We cannot progress without considering this reality, which is key to achieving full development.

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