The organizers of the International Pre-University Prize – FUNIBER Research have announced the winners of the second edition of this competition, which drew participants from students, teachers, and schools in various countries. In total, schools from Angola, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Peru participated in the contest.
A total of 35 projects were submitted; through careful observation of their surroundings, these projects have conducted research of social or environmental significance. Most of the projects have developed proposals aimed at addressing local issues related to the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Congratulations to all participants!
In the first phase, the jury selected five finalist projects for their oral defense, which took place on April 21st. After this last stage, the jury evaluated the students’ presentation, adding points to the registered research project.
Announcement of the Winners
1st place:
- “Sustainable Technology: “ECOBOT and School Waste Management at Colegio Americano de Cali” – Colegio Americano De 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 are awarded to the finalist projects in recognition of their excellent work.
Special Awards
In the special awards category, the UNIROMANA Award, sponsored by the Universidad de La Romana (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 held at the Universidade Internacional do Cuanza (International University of Cuanza, Angola), the UNIC Award was presented as follows:
1st place:
Instituto Politécnico “Professor Estevão Nhime”, Huambo, with the project “Incentivar a mineração de materiais geológicos para correção de solos e para produção de fertilizantes” by students Lídia Nene Sapuile Cahossi, Luísa Nassapalo da Costa Carlos, and Niquelma Leonor José Pelembi
2nd place:
Instituto Politécnico do Sumbe, Cuanza Sul, with the project “Sistema Híbrido Hidrelétrico–Eólico como Estratégia Sustentável para a Eletrificação das Zonas Rurais em Angola” by students Liliane Ermelinda Ambrízio, Menezes Augusto Ngola, and Miquilina Amélia Nanga Tomás
Jury’s Decision
The jury spoke very highly of the quality of the projects submitted, the students’ interest in and commitment to scientific inquiry, their creativity in developing proposals, and the skills they showed in interpreting, analyzing, evaluating, and proposing studies and interventions for their local environment.
More information:
FUNIBER organizes the 2nd edition of the International Pre-University Prize – FUNIBER Research