Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Network - BERSTIC

🌍💧 Transforming lives through innovation and sustainability.   In the heart of Manaure, La Guajira, a community faces the daily challenge of limited access to safe drinking water. But what if seawater could become a secure and sustainable resource for hundreds of Wayuu children? This question inspired us to develop a solar-powered desalination model enhanced by simulation and AI, a solution that not only provides clean water but also reduces costs, minimises environmental impact, and can be replicated in other coastal communities. 📌 Why should you read this article? 💡 Discover how science and technology are transforming lives. 💡 Learn about an innovative model that integrates desalination, solar energy, and social impact. 💡 Explore partnership and investment opportunities in high-impact projects. 🔗 Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gJYx5nzT 💼 How can you be part of the change? If you represent a business, foundation, public entity, or are a professional passionate about sustainability, this project offers strategic partnership opportunities. 💬 Get in touch with us and let’s build a scalable solution for communities worldwide 👉 https://berstic.edu.co   🙏 Special thanks This project wouldn't be possible without the amazing work of our CEO and Founder, Prof. Dr. Fernando Colmenares, Natalia Arure Alvarez Rojas, Juan Carlos Colmenares Quintero, Kim Stansfield, Salvador Segundo Villar Villar, and Sebastian Albericci. We also express our gratitude to the institutions that contributed to making this study a reality: Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Network - BERSTIC, Engineering Research Institute - In³ -, VoCATE Co., Ltd., Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia and Aquatera Ltd. 📢 Share this post to let more people know about this sustainable solution. Change starts with information. #SocialInnovation #RenewableEnergy #SocialImpact #Sustainability #PartnershipsForChange #WaterForAll

🔬✨ Celebrating the Girls, Young Women, and Female Scientists of BERSTIC Network ✨🔬 On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we would like to pay a special tribute to all the incredible women of BERSTIC Network who, through their talent, dedication, and innovation, are shaping the world with knowledge. From the youngest girls taking their first steps in science to the professionals leading impactful projects, your commitment is essential for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future. 💡 Let’s continue to empower female talent in science and technology! Your work inspires and makes a difference. 🚀👩🔬 #WomenInScience #BERSTICNetwork #STEM #Innovation #ScienceForTheFuture 🌎🔍

🌿 Join us for a FREE webinar: Wood-Based Composites – Biodegradable, Durable, and Enhanced by AI Research! 🌿 We are thrilled to have PhD student Anita Wronka and Dr. Grzegorz Kowaluk sharing their insights on the role of Artificial Intelligence in literature search, as well as the biodegradability, lightweight nature, and durability of wood-based composites. 🌍 👩🏻🔬 Moderated by Dr. Sara Piedrahita Rodríguez, this session promises to be a deep dive into the future of sustainable materials. 💻 Don't miss out – sign up now:451050.hostingersite.com

🌱 Free Webinar: Wood-Based Composites – Biodegradable, Durable, and Enhanced by AI Research 🌱 Join us for an insightful virtual session on Thursday, 30th January, from 16:00 to 17:00 (Colombian Time), where experts will explore the exciting future of wood-based composites. 🔹 Anita Wronka (PhD student) will discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence in Literature Search, shedding light on how AI is transforming the way we gather and analyse research data. 🔹 Dr. Grzegorz KOWALUK will delve into the biodegradability, lightweight nature, durability, and other key challenges faced by wood-based composites. The webinar will be moderated by our CEO and Founder, Prof. Dr. Fernando Colmenares also Director of the Engineering Research Institute - In³ - of the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia ✨. Who will be providing expert guidance and facilitating a rich discussion. Whether you're in the field of material science, sustainability, or artificial intelligence, this webinar offers valuable insights that could shape the future of research and development in this area. 🎓 Register Now – This is a free and virtual event! Secure your spot by registering through the link below: https://lnkd.in/ewXy29Qk Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field!

🎄✨ Season’s Greetings from BERSTIC ✨🎄 As 2024 approaches, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all the brilliant minds in our network—scientists, researchers, innovators, and creators driving change 🌐. May this festive season bring you inspiration, collaboration, and success in building a more sustainable, smarter, and inclusive future. Thank you for being part of our journey of science, culture, and innovation 🌟. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅🏻🤶🏻 Let’s keep shaping solutions together in 2024. We will be back on January 13, 2025 🎉

On 13th December, the BERSTIC Network had the privilege of participating in the final meeting of 2024 for the Mesa Interseccional para la Diplomacia Científica de Colombia (MIDICI). This session was an important moment for reflection on achievements and plans for science diplomacy in Colombia and beyond. 🤝 Key accomplishments of MIDICI’s 2024 include: 81% progress in implementing the 2024 action plan, with 18 out of the 22 proposed actions completed. Active participation in the Blue and Green Zones at COP16. A successful Masterclass hosted by MIDICI during the CILAC Forum. 🎓 The meeting also served as a platform for discussing and planning for 2025, including upcoming events such as the Global CTeI Meeting in Medellín (28-30 April 2025), collaborations with the Nodo Regional de Antioquia, and community-driven initiatives. 🌎 Our CEO, Prof. Dr. Fernando Colmenares, spoke about his postdoctoral project in science diplomacy, especially in relation to MIDICI. MIDICI’s mission aligns with our ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable development through innovative collaborations that bridge energy, water, communities, and education. The integration of ancestral knowledge with cutting-edge technologies is essential to our vision of scientific diplomacy. A noteworthy highlight was the inclusion of Maria Reyes Lindao, headmistress of the Institución Etnoeducativa Wayuu La Paz. This milestone aligns with our commitment to connect with local communities and promote sustainable development of the territories . The collaboration also marks a significant step towards supporting clean agriculture and water projects in La Guajira through the formal agreement between the Institute of New Technologies in Environmental Engineering (INTEE), the Engineering Research Institute - In³ - , and the Institución Etnoeducativa Rural La Paz. Prof. Colmenares also highlighted the creation of the European Node for Science Diplomacy, Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, which will work in tandem with actions planned for 2025. Moreover, the BERSTIC Network is strengthening its ties with the Colombian Diaspora Network, led by Julián Prieto Barrera, as well as with European partners, to enhance collaborative efforts across borders. The meeting also focused on the potential of seagrass ecosystems and the opportunities they present for regional endogenous biomass and carbon credits. MIDICI's approach reflects the growing support for a territorial-focused science diplomacy that blends science with regional, community-based development. 🌾   💡 We thanks to Universidad El Bosque, Carolina Vizcaíno, Susan Benavides, for hosting this event. Also to the project ‘Science and Technology towards a sustainable and inclusive Colombia: biofuels from waste in Guajira (Colombia)’ financed by the Cantabria Coopera Fund, Horizon 2020 CELISE_project, Royal Academy of Engineering and Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia for their contribution

🌍 Driving Impact through Partnerships in Renewable Energy and Water Solutions At BERSTIC, we are committed to fostering sustainable development through innovative collaborations that connect energy, water, and communities. One of our most impactful projects focuses on addressing the challenges faced by the Wayuu community in La Guajira, Colombia—a region deeply affected by water and energy insecurity. Through our partnership with Empresas Públicas de Medellín - EPM, Aquatera Ltd, Innova Capital Partners, and other forward-thinking organisations, BERSTIC has empowered local communities by blending ancestral knowledge with cutting-edge technologies. Our framework and cooperation with different stakeholders around the Community, energy - water - food - health and education nexus has guided this transformation. The process has been a collaborative journey involving traditional authorities, industry, statistics, engineering and psychology experts; alongside with the Wayuu community itself. Key Impacts: 🌞 Renewable energy solutions: Utilising solar power to drive independent desalination units, ensuring access to clean water. 🤝 Empowering local leadership: Co-designed solutions that respect the Wayuu’s cultural beliefs, strengthening trust and ownership. 🌐 Advanced technologies: Implementing AI and digital twins to bridge gaps in expertise, language, and infrastructure. We are proud to share that our projects align closely with the Risk know-how framework, a powerful tool to help communities navigate complex risk information, assess options, and make informed decisions suited to their circumstances. This framework, developed in collaboration with community leaders and global experts in statistics, risk literacy, and communication, is a testament to the importance of informed, community-driven solutions. 📖 Read the full article on Risk Know-How to discover how this framework is helping BERSTIC and our partners create transformative change for the Wayuu community in La Guajira: https://lnkd.in/g3kwUqNa 🌟 This initiative wouldn't be possible without the visionary leadership of our CEO Prof. Dr. Fernando Colmenares, whose dedication to sustainable and inclusive development continues to inspire us. 💡 We extend our thanks to Simon Bradley from Risk know-how and Munkhbayar Bayartsengel Elkins and Sameh ElBadry from Sense about Science, who have taken an interest in giving visibility to our initiatives and promoting good practices such as cooperation to have positive impacts on vulnerable territories and communities, special thanks to Lloyd's Register Foundation, Risk know-how and the Royal Academy of Engineering for their contribution. 

🌍 Circular Economy as a Path to Inclusion: Solutions for the Territories 🌍 At BERSTIC Network, we are thrilled to share the key takeaways from our thought-provoking webinar titled "Circular Economy as a Path to Inclusion: Solutions for the Territories". The session explored how circular economic principles can foster social inclusion and sustainable development within local communities. We were honoured to have Prof. Dr. Laura Andze, a leading researcher from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, open the event. Her presentation highlighted the potential of wood and biomass in driving sustainability through innovative, low-waste technologies. Key points from Dr. Andze’s presentation included: Wood as a Modern, Sustainable Building Material: Dr. Andze emphasised the Institute’s commitment to promoting wood as an eco-friendly, resource-efficient alternative to conventional construction materials. Following this, PhD Candidate, Martins Andzs shared his research on bioeconomy, focusing on Innovative Prebiotics for Climate-Neutral Poultry Farming. He presented his bioeconomic calculations and cutting-edge research into feed technology for laying hens, using prebiotics derived from local grain processing residues like xylo-oligosaccharides and antioxidants (polyphenols). Prof. Dr. Grzegorz KOWALUK from the Management Institute Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, also joined to discuss technological advancements in wood processing. He introduced the Department of Mechanical Processing, Preservation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, shedding light on their research into the mechanical properties of wood, its climatic adaptation, thermal properties, and material density. Finally, PhD Candidate, Anita Wronka from the same university presented her research on Innovative Wood Composite Materials. Her focus was on sustainable alternatives in the wood industry, with a special emphasis on alternative raw materials such as eggshells, coffee grounds, and raspberry branches, helping to reduce waste and enhance the sustainability of wood-based products. The insights shared by Dr. Andze, Mr. Martins Andzs, Prof. Kowaluk, and Mrs. Anita Wronka illustrate the transformative potential of circular economy principles across sectors, from agriculture and bioeconomy to sustainable wood processing.   This webinar was moderated by our CEO Prof. Dr Fernando Colmenares also Director of the Engineering Research Institute - In³ - and Dr. Adriana Villegas, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia.   We thanks the Horizon 2020 CELISE_project, and the project "Development of a digital twin of a real photovoltaic system in Wayuu territory as a technological and formative validator," with INV3548, financed by the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia

🌐  Co-Creation Event: Macro-Trends Initiatives on Smart Territories, Circular Economy, and Energy Transition 🌳 A collaboration between BERSTIC Network and EPM , allowed us to share a dynamic conversation on energy transition, circular economy and smart territories. The event featured contributions from key experts such as Santiago Jaramillo Jaramillo of Fundación Socya, Andrés Arias Ramírez from the Cámara de Comercio de Medellín, and Professor Franklin Jaramillo Isaza from the Universidad de Antioquia, and moderated by our CEO and director of the Engineering Research Institute - In³ - Prof. Dr. Fernando Colmenares, who guided discussions about the resource management in the city, possibilities for innovation and the inclusion of communities in these decision-making spaces will also be addressed. 🤝 International representatives, including Prof. Dr. Laura Andze, PhD candidate Martins Andzs from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, and PhD candidate Anita Wronka alongside Prof. Dr. Grzegorz KOWALUK from the Management Institute Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, enriched the conversation with diverse global perspectives. 🌍 The event led to the following key conclusions: • Multisectoral collaboration is essential: Businesses, academia, citizens, and the public sector must unite to address the challenges of the energy transition. • Education and awareness are crucial: Empowering communities and promoting sustainable practices are central to creating lasting change.  • International partnerships enhance local perspectives: These collaborations open new development opportunities and broaden the scope for innovation. During the co-creation workshop, participants collaborated to design sustainable and innovative solutions, demonstrating that cooperation transcends barriers and drives real change in overcoming global challenges. Leadership serves as a powerful example of how effective collaboration can create a lasting impact on communities and territories. BERSTIC network would like to extend its sincere thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions. Together, we are working towards transforming cities into models of innovation and sustainability. A special thank you goes to Empresas Públicas de Medellín - EPM, Corporación Ruta N, and the CELISE_project for their essential support and commitment to making this event a reality. ⭐

Innovation and Sustainability: BERSTIC's Contribution to #InnóvateEPM 🌎 The BERSTIC Network is proud to have participated in the 9th edition of the #InnóvateEPM programme, an inspiring event that fosters knowledge exchange and collaborative solutions aimed at building a more sustainable and innovative world. This year's focus was on critical themes such as Circular Economy, Energy Transition, Smart Territories, and Hydrogen – areas that are pivotal for the future of our planet. ⛰️ The programme brought together diverse expertise, and we are honored to have our CEO and  Director of the Engineering Research Institute - In³ - at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Prof. Dr Fernando Colmenares, as a judge for this extraordinary event. His vast experience in innovation and sustainability enriched the selection process, as he collaborated with a panel of esteemed professionals. We would also like to highlight the participation of our network members: Prof. Dr. Laura Andze (Researcher, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry) Anita Wronka (PhD candidate, Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie) Prof. Dr. Grzegorz KOWALUK (Associate Professor, Warsaw University of Life Sciences) Martins Andzs(PhD candidate Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry) 🙌 Their deep knowledge and perspectives significantly enhanced the event, creating a space for mutual learning and growth. Both participants and judges were impressed by the quality and innovative vision of the proposals presented. Some of the standout proposals this year included: 1️ AccessBot (Fundación EPM): Educational and technological inclusion for people with visual disabilities. 2️ Biosmart (EAFIT): Sustainable biofuels from wood waste. 3️ Hidrógeno Verde (Universidad Católica de Oriente): Prototype for the production and storage of clean hydrogen. 4️ EcoAéreo - Agro (ITM): Smart drones to optimise agricultural resources. 5️ Elevador de Agua Eólico/Solar (AFINIA): Sustainable solution using recycled materials for rural areas. 6️ ESSA es Potencia Solar (ESSA): Distributed solar energy generation. 7️ HIDROPAT (HET-Panamá): Affordable and efficient hydraulic pumps. 8️ Pasos Enérgicos (EPM Guatemala): Clean energy generated from pedestrian tiles. 9️ Protección de Redes Eléctricas (CHEC): Recycled materials to protect wildlife and flora. 10️ Solar Tender (CHEC): Platform connecting clients with optimal solar solutions. We look forward to continuing to contribute to this collective mission of innovation and sustainability. 🌱 These events are an example of the importance of international cooperation and a key advance in science diplomacy. We thank the CELISE_project, Empresas Públicas de Medellín - EPM, and #InnóvateEPM for this meeting.