Students from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) participated as the only representatives from Peru at the 5th Symposium on Space Educational Activities, organized by the European Space Agency’s Education Office and the Technical University of Munich. The event, held in Germany from April 8 to 11, brought together 300 university students from around the world.
The participation of UNMSM students highlights their commitment to scientific and technological development in aerospace fields. During the symposium, Dante Rojas Palacios, Marisol Ramos Camacho, Julio Tello Rojas, and Mariel Huarancca Chilquillo presented five research papers covering topics such as artificial intelligence for environmental monitoring and early warning systems for climate resilience in Peru. Ramos’s paper on AI-enhanced environmental monitoring won second place among more than 200 submissions.
Ramos said: “Para mí fue un honor participar en el simposio, no solo por representar a San Marcos junto a mis compañeros, sino también porque estoy desarrollando soluciones espaciales para contribuir al desarrollo tecnológico, ambiental y social del Perú, comenzando en mi ciudad natal, Puno.”
The team also showcased projects including river pollution detection systems using artificial intelligence and remote sensing technologies aimed at mitigating urban, industrial, and mining contamination. Another initiative proposed an electric propulsion system based on Vasimr plasma technology powered by solar energy for long-duration space travel.
Rojas said: “Este espacio nos permitió intercambiar conocimientos, establecer contactos con estudiantes y profesionales de distintas partes del mundo, y posicionar el trabajo que se viene realizando en San Marcos a nivel internacional.”
Huarancca described hearing firsthand accounts of space missions as inspiring: “Mi participación en el evento fue una experiencia profundamente gratificante y enriquecedora pues me permitió ampliar mi perspectiva sobre el sector aeroespacial…”. She also noted that meeting successful Peruvians abroad motivated her to work towards similar advancements in Peru.
Tello commented: “Esta fue una oportunidad de oro para mí… Compartir experiencias… fue no solo inspiracional…”. He emphasized that determination and clear direction are key to joining international scientific communities.
UNMSM promotes cultural and social well-being through initiatives supporting responsibility and sustainable development according to its official website. The university operates multiple campuses across Peru according to its official website and leads public universities in rankings from QS, Scimago, and Webometrics according to its official website. It is recognized as an autonomous public entity under Peruvian law according to its official website, offering a range of undergraduate programs along with postgraduate options according to its official website. The institution focuses on advancing knowledge dissemination while promoting national sustainable development according to its official website.
As reported by its official site the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos is dedicated to advancing education through diverse academic programs while holding top global rankings among public universities.
