The Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) recognized its highest-performing students at the Faculty of Physical Sciences during the inauguration ceremony for the 2026 academic year, held on April 15. The event aimed to encourage academic achievement and healthy competition among students.
The awards were presented by university officials in a formal gathering at the auditorium of the School of Mechanical Fluid Engineering. The ceremony honored students who ranked at the top of their classes from admissions cohorts between 2021 and 2025 in both Physics and Mechanical Fluid Engineering programs. Additionally, representatives from UNMSM’s Language Center granted the “Beca Cachimbo” scholarship to three incoming students who excelled in the 2026 entrance exam, providing them with English language studies.
Dean Fulgencio Villegas Silva said, “Today not only do we begin a new academic cycle, but we also reaffirm our commitment to excellence, scientific research, and comprehensive training for professionals capable of responding to today’s challenges.” Villegas Silva emphasized recent achievements within the faculty such as strengthening research groups, active participation in nationally and internationally funded scientific projects, publication in high-impact journals, and hosting academic events that promote knowledge exchange.
He also highlighted ongoing curriculum modernization efforts tailored to current scientific and technological demands. “In the School of Physics we have promoted research in areas like theoretical physics, condensed matter, and optics,” he said. “Meanwhile, the School of Mechanical Fluid Engineering has advanced applied projects related to water resources, energy, and sustainability.”
Villegas Silva urged students to make full use of their time at UNMSM with discipline and social responsibility: “Dear students, you are the reason for our institution’s existence. In your hands lies the responsibility to take advantage of every class… Science requires discipline, curiosity and perseverance.” He encouraged them not to fear challenges: “In them you will find opportunities for growth… You are being formed not only as professionals but as citizens committed to sustainable development.”
The Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos is an autonomous public institution focused on advancing education through diverse undergraduate programs—offering 81 degrees—and postgraduate options along with community outreach initiatives according to its official website. It operates multiple campuses including central facilities as well as provincial extensions according to its official website. The university leads public institutions nationally in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings according to its official website.
UNMSM promotes cultural well-being through efforts supporting responsibility, equity inclusion, and sustainable development according to its official website. Recognized by Peru’s constitution as an autonomous entity according to its official website, it remains dedicated both locally and globally toward advancing knowledge dissemination.
Looking ahead at this new term Dean Villegas Silva concluded: “Today we start this new cycle with optimism… May this year be one filled with meaningful learning experiences—scientific discoveries—and personal growth for all.”
