Honduran scientists influence science and technology in the world

SANT PERE SULA.

invest in science and technology had never played such a preponderant role as at present marked by external events that have exposed the shortcomings and weaknesses of the system, but in turn the opportunities to shorten gaps.

Two of the Honduran scientists most excellent abroad sir Salvador Moncada i María Elena Bottazzi they agreed during a conference organized by the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), that to get the country out of the conditions in which it finds itself it is necessary to invest in science and technology, creating conditions and changing the economic and social model.

Besides – Obvious challenges due to the covid pandemic Remote education has not been particularly viable in areas with low coverage of Internet technology and services. – The possibility that brain leaks follow. Analysts believe that the current situation in Latin American countries gives the possibility of increasing migration. – Efforts to disseminate valuable information. Both public and private universities have held virtual conferences with some of the most recognized researchers.

In his participation, Montcada said that one of the problems of Latin America, And punctually of Honduras, Is that in scientific research and technology development is invested less than 0.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP), which is equivalent to about 232 million lempiras.

The scientist recalled a program he proposed four decades ago, which proposed that if a scholarship be given abroad to four outstanding students, “right now Honduras would have 160 scientists helping the country and not have the brain drain it has today because the scientific structure required does not exist. “

inside Honduras. Other excellent professionals have developed their careers in the country, contributing to scientific research and academia.

Montcada said that “all of us who prepare abroad, at first wanted to develop into Honduras“But when you come back it’s impossible because there are no working conditions, there is no scientific structure at the heart of personal development.”

For the scientific researcher, Latin America in general to copy the example of the Asian tigers – South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong – those who as a result of strong investments in science, technology, education and in the creation of sources of work, today are great economic powers.

A similar approach was shared by Bottazzi in saying that getting out of the current backlog will depend on accelerating scientific research.

The scientist said that the economic sectors are not providing what is needed in this area. “If this continues like this, governments and academia will not be able to make the necessary take-off.”

A report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) revealed that between 2015 and 2017 more than 62,000 Hondurans with a high level of education emigrated to other countries, a situation that creates obstacles to the country’s development, experts warn.

The migration of professionals with tertiary education has become a structural and permanent problem.

56.5 million lempiras are the resources allocated to the Honduran Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (Ihcieti) in the General Budget for the fiscal year 2021.

The study of the the OECD raised that the lack of opportunities, low wages and the small amount of space available for young people to work in their fields of specialization have generated frustration among the new generations.

To this is added the climate of insecurity and violence that has affected the country, causing young adults to feel disappointed, scared, frustrated and tired.

dedication

Research carried out by Honduran professionals has been a reference for delving into sensitive issues.

In the 1990s, the microbiologist Anabelle Ferrera was a pioneer in the country in developing studies of the molecular microbiology of human papilloma virus (HPV) and its association with the development of cervical cancer, which he developed in collaboration with Dr. Willem Melchers, of the Radboud University Medical Center (RUMC), Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

For more than 25 years, the professional published several studies on HPV, considered the leading cause of death among women in Honduras.

The microbiologist also excels in a similar field Yensi Flowers Bueso, Graduated in Biology from UNAH and with a master’s degree in Molecular Biology with bioinnovation in Ireland.

Among other recognitions, the doctor received recognition in Ireland for her contribution to the early detection of dengue, through an investigation of stalker-borne diseases.

a la University College CorkIn Ireland, Flors Bueso developed research focused on improving the administration of non-invasive bacteria for the treatment of different types of cancer, such as lung, ovary, breast, prostate and pancreas.

0.1% of investment relative to GDP. Specialist bodies recommend that governments should invest at least 2% of GDP in science and technology, but in Honduras it is barely 0.1%

other branches

en Honduras only 16 out of 100 people have access to a computer, in the urban area; while in rural areas, where there is the largest population of children, just 1.9%, according to a study by the Exchange.

Despite the clear challenges, there are many stories of Hondurans who have managed to overcome them and position themselves as benchmarks in their fields.

Such is the case of the chemical engineer, graduated in Physics of the UNAH and a degree in Mathematics in Pedagogy, Josué Molina Rodríguez, Originally from Rio Arriba, a village in Trujillo, which during his childhood had no drinking water service or electricity.

In his career he has specialized in the field of particle physics.

Also in engineering, the international community has highlighted the work of José Cerrato, Graduate of Civil Engineering at the Autonomous University and with a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech, where he also obtained his first doctorate in Philosophy of Engineering and presented his thesis Biogeochemical cycle of manganese in water systems drinking.

the Journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry in his 2016 Emerging Researchers section, he recognized him as “the best and brightest among scientists starting their careers around the world,” the award-winning paper was titled Forest Fires and Chemistry ‘water: Effect of metals associated with wood ash.

3 brain leak data 1- Mexico tops the list. Mexico has become the country in Latin America in which more citizens with a higher level of education emigrate to other nations, the OECD reveals. 2- Almost a million. Between 2015 and 2017, 866,000 Mexicans emigrated, including scientists, technicians and highly qualified personnel, according to the research. 3- Leaks by country. It is followed by Mexico (364,000), Cuba (345,000), Jamaica (271,000), Brazil (266,000), Peru (251,000), Argentina (222,000) and Venezuela (199,000).

Another UNAH graduate professional is Karla Mossi, a mechanical engineer with a master’s degree and doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University in Virginia.

She currently serves as the Director of the Postgraduate Program at the University of California, Los Angeles Commonwealth University of Virginia in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, where he administers all aspects of the master’s and doctoral programs.

He has five years of industrial experience as director of research and development for a private company before joining VCU University in 2001.

Mossi is in charge of the Intelligent Materials Laboratory, and his research focuses on renewable energy and he has published more than 40 articles in the area and under his tutelage several students have completed doctorates and master’s degrees.

Also emphasizes Walter Martinez, born and raised in San Pedro Sula, And with more than 25 years of experience in the field of information technology and 18 years of experience as a university professor of engineering. He worked on multi-phase projects where he recommended, acquired, installed, configured software and hardware that included servers to help others solve problems at all levels.

He has experience in various areas of robotics, microprocessor programming, electronics and controls, including 3D printing, mechanical and electronic design, laser cutting and materials. He worked as a consultant creating robots used in television programs such as RobotWars, BattleBots, Robotics and SteelConflict.

Five recognized professionals: