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IEEE NPSS Newsletter

Fostering New Opportunities in Colombia: Highlights from the 2026 IEEE NPSS Barranquilla EduCom International School (BEIS)

Andrea Gonzalez-Montoro
Martin Grossmann

As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening regional scientific capacity and connecting local talent with the global research community, IEEE NPSS brought the Barranquilla EduCom International School (BEIS) to Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Following successful initiatives across Latin America, the Barranquilla EduCom International School (BEIS) was successfully held in Barranquilla on June 15 – 19 2026 at the Universidad Simón Bolivar, serving as a vibrant platform for academic exchange, technical training, and professional development.

The second edition of BEIS was largely organized by the Student Branch Professional Activities Board, supported by a dedicated 11-member logistics team. While the event previously ran without external international presence, this year marks the very first time that representatives from the IEEE NPSS have attended in person, signaling a major milestone in strengthening direct ties with the region and supporting the local goal to expand the NPSS footprint across Colombian universities.

The event brought together a motivated group of 33 participants, including students and organizers. While most participants were from Universidad Simón Bolivar, four international student representatives from Costa Rica, El Salvador and Ecuador attended the school. Local coordination and execution were successful thanks to the dedication and leadership of Chapter Chair Jimmy De Jesus Garcia Leal and Laura Ocampo, whose efforts ensured a seamless and impactful experience for all attendees. 

Celebrating the successful completion of the event: (left) a photograph taken during the official certificate delivery ceremony featuring the IEEE NPSS representatives at the BEIS school; and (right) a final group photo showcasing the entire community of students, local organizers, and professors who collaborated to make this memorable and impactful event possible.

Broadening Academic Participation and Expert Contributions

The curriculum delivered a balanced combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, enriched by a diverse roster of local and national speakers. From the local host institution, university professors Sindy Chamorro and Sair Enrique Arquez Mendoza, both physics professors and chapter advisors, delivered high-quality lectures that consolidated foundational knowledge and explored regional scientific initiatives. The school also benefited from national academic exchange, featuring insightful presentations from two invited expert professors traveling from Cúcuta, Miguel Vera and Antonio Bravo alongside guidance on the school’s latest activities.

Furthermore, the host university organized an exclusive campus tour to showcase its state-of-the-art facilities. During the tour, participants were introduced to the ConciencIA research group, which is dedicated to implementing advanced Artificial Intelligence techniques, as well as the innovative Macondo platform, designed for specialized academic and professional counseling as well as for start-up formations.

Representing the international IEEE NPSS delegation in person, Martin Grossmann and Andrea Gonzalez-Montoro served as key lecturers. A special acknowledgement goes to Trang Hoang for her key role in organizing these activities online. Beyond their theoretical presentations, they led a highly engaging, hands-on practical exercise using Radiacode dosimeters. This interactive session allowed students to operate the devices directly, mapping radiation in real-time and bridging the gap between abstract physics and field-ready applications. The school’s practical curriculum also featured specialized sessions focused on plasma applications, cartography, and the fabrication of a sophisticated cloud chamber utilizing liquid nitrogen. The students presented their work in poster format on the final day of the school and received certificates of participation.

Technical and practical highlights of the event (from left to right): one of the prominent campus buildings at Universidad Simón Bolívar where the theoretical lectures, Radiacode experiments, and the Macondo and ConciencIA Lab visits took place; students actively participating and interacting during the classroom sessions; and attendees engaged in hands-on experimental work using the Radiacode.

Empowering the Next Generation: The YP Session

A major highlight of the school was the dedicated Young Professionals (YP) event, organized by Andrea Gonzalez-Montoro, Martin Grossmann, and Trang Hoang. Lasting for more than two hours, this session was specifically designed to facilitate the transition from student to young professional. The organizers presented the core goals, activities, and initiatives of the IEEE NPSS YP community, offering inspirational roadmaps for international networking, scholarships, and career advancement. The presentations were complemented with a talk by Sebastian Pertuz, President of the local NPSS Student Chapter.

Reflecting the deep connection and impact of the event: a photograph capturing the great camaraderie and complicity among the participating students, alongside moments from Martin Grossmann’s inspirational talk, A Career in Physics. The enthusiasm of the students—who eagerly requested his autograph and lined up to take photos with him—underlines the profound positive impact of sharing personal professional journeys and experiences directly with the next generation of scientists.

The YP session was highly successful, characterized by an extraordinary level of student engagement. It sparked a dynamic flow of questions, with students showing a strong, proactive interest in learning exactly how to become active volunteers within the IEEE network. The atmosphere was further energized by the distribution of the newly designed YP promotional merchandising, which was very well received by the enthusiastic attendees.

Photo from the Young Professionals (YP) engagement and digital visibility: (left) a photograph of the students attending the event; (center) newly designed IEEE NPSS YP promotional merchandising, including pens, keychains, and tote bags made from recycled cloths, showcasing the joy and enthusiasm of the students who received them; and (right) an example of the continuous social media coverage, featuring a student’s Instagram post celebrating the activities, certificates, and group milestones achieved during the BEIS 2026 school.

Expanding Strategic Collaborative Networks

Building on the relationships established during this first in-person visit, the school achieved an important milestone in regional networking. The YP NPSS Committee established a direct collaboration and contact with the local YP ColCaribe group, representing the Caribbean region of Colombia. This connection creates a sustainable bridge that ensures future regional initiatives, joint events, and stronger integration of Colombian students into the global IEEE NPSS structure. Indeed, a second school is planned for this year in Bogotá.

Beyond the rigorous academic and practical curriculum, the school placed a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and professional networking. A vibrant “Fair of Nations” was held, serving as a dedicated socialization space where the international students proudly showcased their regional traditions, complemented by a rich display of Colombian culture presented by the local hosts. To foster deeper camaraderie, the organizers also arranged a scenic excursion to the beautiful Ciénaga de Mallorquín eco-park, culminating in a memorable farewell party that celebrated the tight-knit community built among all participating students and instructors.

Cultural exchange during the school’s socialization events (from left to right): participants gathering around the Colombian display table during the “Fair of Nations”, view of the traditional Colombian sweets, snacks, and handcrafted beaded jewelry (abalorios) presented by the local hosts; photo with the international students representing Ecuador while explaining their traditions;  and a group photograph featuring all the international and local participants proudly displaying their national flags.
Highlights from the school’s cultural and networking activities (from left to right): a networking dinner gathering local organizers alongside international students from Ecuador, El Salvador, and Costa Rica; a scenic outdoor excursion exploring the Ciénaga de Mallorquín eco-park; and a special cultural presentation by the Carnival King and Queen, who welcomed participants and shared the history of the world-famous, UNESCO-recognized Barranquilla Carnival.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that, throughout the week, the students enthusiastically shared their experiences online, continuously posting daily summaries, photos, and highlights of the school’s activities on their personal Instagram and LinkedIn profiles. This organic social media campaign generated strong online engagement, giving incredible visibility to both the technical sessions and the local IEEE NPSS initiatives to a much broader global audience.

Overall, the BEIS School in Barranquilla successfully advanced the IEEE NPSS mission of inspiring the next generation of Colombian scientists while creating a clear pathway for active volunteerism. It stands as another example of NPSS’s commitment to empowering early-career researchers around the world.

Andrea Gonzalez-Montoro can be reached by email at [email protected]. Martin Grossmann can be reached by E-mail at [email protected].