RIAO-OPTILAS 2025

Abstract: From November 17 to 21, the UPB in Santa Cruz (Bolivia) hosted RIAO-OPTILAS 2025, one of Latin America’s most important international conferences in the field of optics and photonics. This edition featured strong representation from the EU-BEGP project, which highlighted both academic innovation and the growing impact of capacity building across the region.

During the conference, partners from UNI-PE, EPN-EC, ESPOL-EC, UMSS-BO, and UPB-BO presented the remote laboratories developed through the project, systems that allow students to conduct real experiments online, expanding access to high-quality practical learning regardless of their location.

In addition, the EU-BEGP was presented in the talk “Linking capacity building and research in Erasmus+: the case of the EU-BEGP” which described how the project builds bridges between academic development, research collaboration, and regional innovation. The session also introduced participants to the EXPLORE Energy Digital Academy (EEDA), emphasizing its role in connecting universities, sharing expertise, and expanding learning opportunities.

This participation marks a significant milestone: the knowledge and tools created jointly within the framework of the project are now contributing to global debates on engineering, innovation, and digital transformation in higher education.

Conference: Riao-Optilas 2025

Location: La Paz, Bolivia

Date: 17-21 November 2025

Erasmus Days – Erasmus Talks

Abstract: On October 17th, the EU-BEGP Project participated in the Erasmus Talks panel held at Universidad Galileo, as part of the global ErasmusDays2025 celebration in Guatemala.

Five Guatemalan institutions shared their experiences in Erasmus+ projects, reflecting on the lessons learned, challenges faced, and opportunities for future cooperation.

Representing Universidad San Pablo de Guatemala, Ricardo E. Bianchi highlighted the value of collaboration, innovation, and human connection within the EU-BEGP consortium — reminding us that projects may end, but transformations continue.

Our sincere thanks to CONEXX-EU for the organisation, to Laura Pardo García and Alejandro Canto Rodríguez for guiding the session with inspiration, and Celia Ordóñez from the Delegation of the Unión Europea Guatemala for her inspiring closing message.

Together, we continue building bridges between Europe and Latin America through education, sustainability, and cooperation.

Presenter: Ricardo Bianchi (USPG-GT)

Conference: Erasmus Talks Guatemala 2025

Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Date: 17 October 2025

Dissemination of EU-BEGP Project in Rural Areas in Bolivia

Abstract: The Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), as part of the EU-BEGP consortium, led a series of dissemination events across rural Bolivia to share the project’s results and impact.

As part of these efforts, a series of presentations were held across Bolivia’s northern region from October 14 to 16, 2025.

The sessions took place at the Ixiamas Regional Headquarters, the San Buenaventura Northern Amazonian University Regional Center, and the Local University Headquarters (SUL) in Caranavi. Led by Chem. Eng. Rodrigo Surculento Villalobos, Chem. Eng. Giancarla Martínez Paredes, and Lic. Rilda Sanabria Choque, the events gathered more than 60 participants from agroforestry, agronomy, and industrial engineering programs.

Each presentation, lasting approximately two hours and followed by an engaging Q&A session, provided valuable insights into the project’s objectives and outcomes within the Erasmus+ framework. The dissemination of EU-BEGP results in rural areas of Bolivia reflects one of the project’s most meaningful goals: ensuring that knowledge, innovation, and educational opportunities reach every corner of the region — not only major urban centers.

By engaging students, these sessions create greater awareness of how higher education can contribute to sustainable development, innovation, and the energy transition at the local and regional levels. They also encourage collaboration between academic disciplines, nurturing a generation of professionals ready to face tomorrow’s global challenges with creativity and purpose.

Through these initiatives, EU-BEGP continues to strengthen the spirit of Erasmus+, connecting universities, educators, and communities to build more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready learning ecosystems across Latin America.

Presenter: Rodrigo Surculento (UMSA-BO)

Activity: UMSA Dissemination Work

Location: San Buenaventura, Ixiamas and Caranavi, Bolivia

Date: 14-16 October 2025

Regional Erasmus+ Cluster Meeting

Abstract: In Bogotá, our coordinator, Dr. Alex Villazón, from Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB), represented EU-BEGP during the Regional Erasmus+ Cluster Meeting and Contact-Making Seminar 2025 for Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside Dr. Jordi Olivella Nadal from Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya (UPC). The event gathered Erasmus+ project beneficiaries, applicants, and stakeholders to explore synergies, share experiences, and reflect on the role of education in the Green Transition, fully aligned with the European Green Deal and Global Gateway Strategy.

Across the event, EU-BEGP proudly demonstrated its mission to modernize education, build green competences, and sustainable innovation. But this gathering also reminded us of something even bigger: the power of the Erasmus+ family to connect institutions, people, and ideas across borders. 

We extend our sincere thanks to the European Union for creating this global network — a space where knowledge is exchanged, partnerships are built, and the next generation of leaders in education, sustainability, and innovation can thrive. 

Through our collaborative work, we contribute not only to modernizing education and building green competences, but also to moving to a shared vision of a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future — one where knowledge, innovation, and human connection transcend borders and empower communities to thrive.

Presenter: Alex Villazón (UPB-BO)

Conference: Regional Erasmus+ Cluster Meeting

Location: Bogotá, Colombia

Date: 07 October 2025

EU-BEGP at the 1st EEDA Meeting: Advancing Global Educational Synergies

Abstract: From June 9 to 13, representatives of the EU-BEGP Project took part in the 1st EEDA Meeting, an inspiring international gathering hosted across Sweden by KTH (Stockholm), MDU (Västerås), and onboard the ferry connecting Sweden and Finland. Bringing together participants from over a dozen countries, the event offered a unique opportunity to exchange insights, explore synergies, and reflect on shared challenges across global educational initiatives.

For EU-BEGP, the meeting served as a platform to engage in forward-thinking dialogue on module development, remote lab collaboration, and long-term sustainability strategies. Discussions emphasized cross-regional cooperation, multilingual accessibility, and the continued evolution of digital learning environments with a presentation made by Alex Villazón (UPB-BO) under the title “Multi-language support in EEDA: Possibilities for translation of Modules into different languages“.

“Enhancing Visibility and Sustainability: Why Dissemination and Impact Matter in Erasmus+ Initiatives” was the title of the presentation made by Ricardo Bianchi (USPG-GT) regarding the importance of addressing the work and results made by an Erasmus+ Project.

Participation in this meeting not only reinforced EU-BEGP’s commitment to excellence and innovation but also highlighted the value of being part of a broader ecosystem working toward impactful, globally connected education.

Presenter: Alex Villazón (UPB-BO) and Ricardo Bianchi (UPSG-GT)

Conference: 1st. EEDA Face-to-Face Meeting

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Date: 13 June 2025

Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions (LACCEI)

Abstract: On a bright and inspiring morning, Universidad San Pablo de Guatemala (USPG) had the honor of welcoming the distinguished leadership of the Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions (LACCEI) for a special presentation of the EU-BEGP Project titled “USPG’s Participation in the EU-BEGP Project: Advancing Innovation and Academic Collaboration Across Regions”. The event provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the project’s vision, objectives, and ongoing efforts in modernizing education within the energy sector and energy transition.

Vice President of Deans’ Councils, Mr. Miguel Ángel Sosa and Mrs. Marylin Arias, General Coordinator of LACCEI were delighted to learn about the EU-BEGP initiative, recognizing its strong alignment with LACCEI’s mission of integrating collaboration among institutions offering academic programs in Engineering and Technology. As a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening partnerships in the Latin American and Caribbean regions, LACCEI found a natural synergy with the EU-BEGP’s goals, particularly in areas such as curriculum development, faculty training, and international cooperation.

LACCEI directors were received by Mr. Ramiro Bolaños, Academic Vice-Rector of Universidad San Pablo de Guatemala, along with key representatives from the university. Their presence underscored the institution’s commitment to fostering academic collaborations and supporting initiatives that drive educational excellence and innovation.

During the presentation, key aspects of the project were discussed, including the development of new educational programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, as well as specialized diplomas and short courses designed to enhance expertise in energy transition. The exchange of ideas between the EU-BEGP representatives and LACCEI leadership highlighted the potential for future collaboration, reinforcing a shared commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

Presenter: Ricardo Bianchi (UPSG-GT)

Conference: Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions

Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Date: 18 February 2025

EU-BEGP Project 2nd. Face-to-Face Meeting

Abstract: From February 10 to 14, 2025, the EU-BEGP project team gathered in Cochabamba, Bolivia, for the long-awaited M24 face-to-face meeting. This event marked a crucial milestone, as it represents the twenty-fourth month of the 36-month project, signaling the official start of the final stretch towards its conclusion. The meeting served as a platform to assess progress, refine strategies, and strengthen collaboration between partners from Europe, Central America, and South America.

The event kicked off with an opening session that brought together key stakeholders, including institutional representatives and our project coordinator.

The opening speeches highlighted the achievements of the past two years and laid the groundwork for subsequent discussions. Participants expressed their commitment to making the most of the remaining 12 months to ensure the project’s lasting impact.

Conference: EU-BEGP Project 2nd. Face-to-Face Meeting

Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia

Date: 10-14 February 2025

XIII NanoAndes School 2024 and VIII NanoAndes Workshop 2024

Abstract: The session “Workshop 8: Remote Laboratory on Fundamentals for Arsenic Removal in Water”, delivered by Dr. Juan Rodríguez (UNI-PE), was part of the XIII NanoAndes School 2024 and VIII Workshop NanoAndes 2024, held in La Paz, Bolivia, from 11 to 17 November 2024. This workshop addressed one of the most urgent environmental engineering challenges in the Andean region: the widespread presence of arsenic in groundwater and drinking-water systems.

Dr. Rodríguez introduced participants to the scientific principles behind arsenic-removal technologies—such as adsorption, coagulation–flocculation, and membrane-based treatments—explaining their practical relevance for communities exposed to heavy-metal contamination. He demonstrated how these processes can be studied through a remote laboratory platform, enabling users to manipulate variables, observe treatment efficiency in real time, and analyze contaminant-removal behavior without requiring physical access to specialized laboratory facilities.

The workshop highlighted how remote experimentation enhances accessibility, supports capacity building, and fosters collaboration among universities working on water-quality challenges. This approach not only democratizes technical training but also strengthens regional expertise in water purification—an essential step toward protecting public health and promoting sustainable development.

Presenter: Juan Rodríguez (UNI-PE)

Conference: XIII NanoAndes School 2024 and VIII Workshop NanoAndes 2024

Location: La Paz, Bolivia

Date: 11-17 November 2024

XIII NanoAndes School 2024 and VIII NanoAndes Workshop 2024

Abstract: By the invitation of the Chemical Sciences Department and the Institute of Chemical Research of UMSA, several partners from the EU-BEGP Project, participated in the XIII NanoAndes School ‘Saúl Cabrera’ and the 2nd Bolivian Congress of Nanomaterials, Renewable Energies, and Evaporative Resources. These events took place in La Paz from November 11 to 15 and November 18 to 19, 2024, respectively, bringing together academic and research institutions from across the region.

This event was a collaborative effort involving both professors and students from Brazil, Ecuador, Perú, Colombia, and Bolivia, illustrating the power of remote learning and cross-border cooperation.

During the event, Omar Ormachea, PhD, from the UPB, delivered an insightful presentation and led a practical workshop on remote laboratories titled “Remote Laboratories in Renewable Energy: Spectrometry and Photovoltaic Solar Efficiency in Real Time”.  Additionally, he conducted a presentation about the EU-BEGP Project, providing attendees with a in-depth understanding of its objectives, progress, and impact on promoting international collaboration in education and research.

Prof. César Costa from Escuela Politécnica Nacional in Ecuador (EPN-EC) gave a lecture on “Experiences in the Delvelopment of Modules for Self-Training on Energy and Circular Economy”, in relation to the EU-BEGP Project, and Juan Rodríguez, PhD. from Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería in Perú (UNI-PE) also actively participated in the event, and presented the topic “Nanomaterials and technologies for water purification in rural areas: the Peruvian experience”.

Presenter: Omar Ormachea (UPB-BO) and César Costa (EPN-EC)

Conference: XIII NanoAndes School 2024 and VIII NanoAndes Workshop 2024

Location: La Paz, Bolivia

Date: 11-17 November 2024

III Summit – Power & Renevable Energies

Abstract: The presentation “Remote Laboratories: Energy Innovation for the Energy Transition” explored how digitally enabled experimentation environments can accelerate skills development in the renewable-energy sector. Delivered during the III Summit – Power & Renewable Energies, held on 22 October 2024 in Quito, Ecuador, the session highlighted the role of remote laboratories as scalable tools to democratize access to technical training, particularly in regions facing infrastructure gaps or limited laboratory capacity.

The presenter, Dr. Juan Peralta from ESPOL-EC, introduced current advances in remote-lab technologies—ranging from sensor-based real-time monitoring to virtualized control of energy systems—and demonstrated how these tools support hands-on learning without requiring physical presence. The discussion emphasized their potential to strengthen workforce preparation for the energy transition through flexible, safe, and cost-efficient training.

Finally, the presentation connected these innovations to broader capacity-building efforts in higher education, showing how remote laboratories can help institutions modernize engineering and energy-related programs, promote international collaboration, and expand opportunities for learners across Latin America and beyond.

Presenter: Juan Peralta (ESPOL-EC)

Conference: III Summit – Power & Renevable Energies

Location: Quito, Ecuador

Date: 20-24 October 2024

Eramus+ Cluster Meeting and Contact

Abstract: Summary: At the invitation of the European Commission, the Bolivian Private University (UPB), coordinator of the EU-BEGP project, participated in this meeting held in Montevideo, Uruguay, in October 2024. More than 200 representatives from universities in Latin America and the Caribbean participated in this meeting, which presented opportunities for international collaboration.

The central theme was “digitalization in education,” highlighting initiatives supported by the Erasmus+ program that address global challenges through examples of digital transformation and research.

During the event, Dr. Omar Omarchea, director of the UPB’s Center for Optical and Energy Research (CIOE), presented the EU-BEGP project to conference participants and European Commission officials. Juan Rodríguez, from UNI-Peru, was also present as part of the EU-BEGP project team, contributing to the exchange and discussions on collaborative efforts in the region. In total, 19 capacity-building projects in higher education were presented at the meeting, including (EU-BEGP), 6 capacity-building projects in vocational education and training, as well as 2 Jean Monnet Actions projects.

Presenter: Omar Ormachea (UPB-BO)

Conference: Erasmus+ Cluster Meeting and Contact – Making Seminar for Latin America and The Caribbean

Location: Montevideo, Uruguay

Date: 01-02 October 2024

Modernization of Collaborative Digital Education with Active Learning

Abstract: In an effort to promote modernization and collaboration in digital education, Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB) held on August 23, 2024, a conference at Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno (UAGRM), in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

The event, entitled “Modernization of Collaborative Digital Education with Active Learning”, presented the vision of the EU-BEGP Project, and counted with the participation of Alex Villazón PhD, Dean of Research in Engineering and Architecture at UPB Cochabamba Campus, and coordinator of the EU-BEGP Project.

During his presentation, Dr. Villazón emphasized the importance of applying active learning methodologies in the educational environment, the “educator to educator” collaboration to develop, co-create, share, reuse and translate digital educational material. In addition, he highlighted how digital platforms have transformed the way students access information and perform their tasks, also emphasizing the importance of research and project development. 

As the EU-BEGP Project continues to advance its mission of modernising education, this event exemplifies our ongoing commitment to disseminating these innovative practices among key educational stakeholders.

Presenter: Alex Villazón (UPB-BO)

Conference: Modernization of Collaborative Digital Education with Active Learning

Location: Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Date: 23 August 2024

Ibero-American Symposium on Thermal Efficiency and Industrial Technology

Abstract: As a key speaker, Dr. Peralta took the opportunity to present the EU-BEGP Project, sharing its significant achievements and the long-term benefits it offers in the realm of education and technology.

He highlighted how the EU-BEGP Project is driving forward educational modernization by implementing remote laboratories, carrying international collaboration, and providing students with access to advanced learning tools.

Dr. Peralta also underscored the project’s broader impact, noting that the benefits extend beyond the immediate participants, as the initiatives developed under the EU-BEGP Project are designed to have a lasting influence on the educational landscape.

Presenter: Juan Peralta (ESPOL-EC)

Conference: Ibero-American Symposium – Thermal Efficiency and Industrial Technology

Location: Asunción, Paraguay

Date: 22-23 August 2024

Modernization of Collaborative Digital Education in Energy with Active Learning Methodologies

Abstract: Ph.D. Alex Villazón, Dean of Research in Energy and Architecture at the UPB Cochabamba Campus divered a lecture at the conference highlighting the importance of applying active learning methodologies in the educational environment, the “educator to educator” collaboration to develop, co- create, share, reuse and translate digital educational material. In addition, he highlighted how digital platforms have transformed the way students access information and perform their tasks, also emphasizing the importance of research and project development.

Presenter: Alex Villazón (UPB)

Conference: Modernization of Collaborative
Digital Education with Active Learning

Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia

Date: 23 August 2024

EU-BEGP participation in the booth of the Delegation of the European Union to Bolivia at the National Climate Crisis Congress in La Paz

Abstract: Dissemination activity to promote the Erasmus+ Programme and the EU-BEGP Project in the National Cimate Crisis Congress held in La Paz, Bolivia (03-05 May 2023). EU-BEGP partners from Universidad Mayor de San Andres (UMSA) and Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB) had the opportunity to disseminate information about the project, including the programs and course, digital learning material, challenges, and remote laboratories that will be developed during the project duration.

Presenter: Luis Lopez (UMSA), Alex Villazón (UPB), and Omar Ormachea (UPB)

Conference: National Climate Crisis Congress (Congreso Nacional Crisis Climática)

Location: La Paz, Bolivia

Date: 03-05 May 2023

Modernizing collaborative digital education in emerging regions with active learning methodologies

Abstract: Collaborative development of digital learning ma- terials in emerging regions often hinders their widespread adoption due to resource constraints, limited infrastructure, skills gaps, lack of training for educators, and cultural or linguistic diversity. To overcome these limitations, we applied a collaborative development of digital learning materials, applying active learning methodologies such as the flipped-classroom perspective, challenge-based learning, and the use of remote laboratories. Educators from different regions around the world co-create learning modules that can later be reused, adapted, or translated for implementing various courses and programs. Before publication, all learning materials are peer-reviewed to ensure high quality. Several postgraduate programs in Energy are under development in different emerging regions, following an innovative educational approach. More than 43 universities collaborate across 21 countries on 4 continents with the support of 5 Erasmus+ Projects of the European Commission, aiming towards a global network of educators to modernize collaborative digital education.

Presenter: Alex Villazón (UPB)

Conference: IEEE World Engineering Education Conference – EDUNINE 2024

Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Date: 10-13 March 2024

1st. Face-to-Face M12 Meeting

“One important activity in international projects, such as those in the Erasmus+ Programme, is the realization of face-to-face meetings. Even though, we had tenths of on-line meetings during the first year of the Project, meeting people in person is very important, not only to know somebody who was behind a screen, but also to engage participants in the activities of the project, create friendship, clarify doubts, solve issues, and to perform training activities that are difficult to perform in an on-line mode (e.g., working in group).”

– Alex Villazón – EU-BEGP Coordinator

Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Date: 05-09 February 2024