Omar Marroquin Pacheco
Guatemala is a country that faces several challenges in terms of science and technology.
One of the main problems is the lack of investment in research and
development. In addition, the infrastructure for science and technology is not well
developed and access to the necessary resources to carry out investigations
is limited.
One of the main challenges is the lack of investment in science and technology by
part of the state and the private sector. This is reflected in the small number of
resources allocated to research and technological development, which makes it difficult to
work of Guatemalan scientists and technologists.
Another challenge is the lack of access to education and training in science and
technology. Many Guatemalan youth do not have access to education programs.
education in scientific and technological areas, which limits their ability to
develop skills and knowledge in these areas.
I had the luck and fortune to work from the General Coordinator of
Planning of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, in the formulation for
the creation of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, at the request and request of the
Ing. Rodolfo Samayoa and Lic. Edgar Cifuentes, both professionals were the
promoters and creators of the original idea of the creation of the School and the support
unrestricted license of Arch. Hector Castro at that time General Coordinator of
USAC planning.
An enriching experience where we had the opportunity to share with
personalities such as Dr. Fernando Quevedo, Dr. Juan Martín Mardacena, Dr.
Dr. Henry Pazos John Ponciano, Dr. Marcelo Ixquiac, Dr. Edward Rubio, Dr. Marin
among others.
Both careers functioned within the Faculty of Engineering of the University of
San Carlos of Guatemala.
The School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the University of San Carlos de
Guatemala (USAC) is one of the leading academic institutions in the country in the
training of scientists and technologists. The school has a long history and has
trained many of the leading experts in physical and mathematical sciences in
Guatemala.
It has the Research Institute of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (ICFM)
is the unit of the ECFM that promotes and carries out advanced studies in areas
scientific, fundamental and applied, of the physical and mathematical sciences. He
ICFM projects itself as a regional platform of excellence dedicated to the
research and dissemination of knowledge in physics and mathematics. The main
ICFM lines of work are:
● Academic research in basic and applied science
● The promotion of research in basic and applied science in the field
college student
● The dissemination and dissemination of knowledge generated by research
in physical sciences and mathematics
● The continuous updating of academic programs of physical sciences and
mathematics.
● Studies in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
● Astrophysics and particle physics
● Gamma Ray Flashes
● Study of Blazars in Gamma Rays
● Nonlinear sciences
● Numerical models of climate
● Topological solitons
● Theoretical physics of condensed matter
● Radiation Physics
● Thermoluminescent response of LiF;Mg,Ti
● Quality control in Radiotherapy
Teaching and Dissemination
● Science Olympiad
● Galileo Program
● Free Courses
● NASE-IAU Astronomy Course
Interdisciplinary Projects
Extension projects seek to fulfill other specific functions:
Promote ECFM, consolidate ECFM in its initial stage by developing links
with other units inside and outside the university. investigate resources
resources and management mechanisms to develop projects and form links
through collaborations.
Multidisciplinary Research
● Mayan Astronomy
Since then, the school has evolved and expanded to include various
departments, including Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science,
Physical Engineering, and Atmospheric and Space Sciences. The school offers programs
undergraduate and graduate studies in these disciplines, as well as research in a variety of
of areas, including theoretical and experimental physics, pure and applied mathematics,
computer science; and atmospheric and space sciences.
USAC’s School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences has been a leader in the
science education in Guatemala and has contributed significantly to the
development of science and technology in the country. Many of its graduates have
followed successful careers in academia, industry and government, and school
continues to attract talented and dedicated students from across the country.
One of the challenges facing the school is the lack of resources for research.
Although the school has a solid track record in training
highly trained professionals, many of them do not have the resources
necessary to carry out high-quality research.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the invaluable and tireless work that Dr.
Fernando Cajas Dominguez, in the public understanding of science, from where he has
touched to be as Director of the University Center of the West CUNOC, in the formation
teaching and training in masters and doctorates in different disciplines of science, in
the General Planning Coordinator who together with Eng. Alfredo Tobar Piril
promoted a lot in favor of science and technology, as Director of the Institute
Tecnológico Guatemala Sur in Palín Escuintla and currently as Director of
Engineering Research at CUNOC, Quetzaltenango, are technological Quixotes that
tirelessly seek the development of science and technology in the hope that
our population has a better quality of life.
