Increase font size
Decrease font size
Increase Spacing
Decrease Spacing
Grayscale
Contrast
Dyslexia Font
Enlarge Cursor
Highlight Links
Reset
Relay Center

Encuentra lo que necesitas en segundos. Explora, descubre y obtén respuestas rápidas. ¡Comienza tu búsqueda ahora!

Calendario Académico

SIMCA

Programa LVMEN

PSI

GOU PAGOS

Home New and Updates

From research to the territory: the CDT Vial concludes its cycle leaving marks of...

From research to the territory: the CDT Vial concludes its cycle leaving marks of innovation and development for southwestern Colombia

18 March, 2026

With an academic ceremony held at the Francisco José de Caldas Paraninfo, the University of Cauca presented the results of the Road Technological Development Center – CDT Vial, a project that for four years promoted applied research, knowledge transfer, and technological innovation in the field of road infrastructure. The closing event was attended by students, professors, alumni, and representatives of the road sector, as well as by researchers from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), who joined virtually and have supported the initiative since its inception.

The CDT Vial was created with the purpose of bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to rural communities through the development of materials, methodologies, and technical solutions for the improvement of tertiary roads. During its implementation, it achieved the construction of a full-scale test section in the San Rafael rural area of the municipality of Popayán, built with recycled materials and innovative technologies that benefited nearly 12,000 people. Likewise, the project enabled the consolidation of the CDT Vial Soil and Pavement Laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for the advanced characterization of materials. In addition, the initiative fostered the development of a broad academic community that now exceeds 4,700 individuals trained through virtual courses, technical events, and spaces for the social appropriation of knowledge.

“The objective of the CDT Vial was to ensure that science, technology, and innovation reached communities through applied research on materials for rural roads and other techniques. Today we conclude this process by delivering technical results, infrastructure improvements, and valuable knowledge transfer,” explained Professor Jaime, who added, visibly moved and filled with gratitude, “This closing represents an ever-growing love for the University; this is very much about love, passion, and institutional commitment. Seeing dreams come true and knowing that we will transform the lives of our students and communities is the most beautiful outcome these four years of the project have left me.”

For her part, Victoria Eugenia Muñoz Valencia, civil engineer, research assistant, and head of the CDT Vial laboratory, highlighted the advances achieved in terms of modernization and quality: “The CDT Vial laboratory now has state-of-the-art equipment that is properly calibrated, along with highly trained personnel for its operation. We are currently undergoing accreditation under the ISO 17025 standard, with a service portfolio that benefits both the university community and the public and private sectors. This progress will enable Cauca, Valle, and Nariño to have cutting-edge capacities for research, material characterization, and technical support in road design processes. Thanks to the CDT Vial, significant academic, research, and social outreach processes have been generated, strengthening the relationship between the University and the region,” she stated.

The impact of the CDT Vial is reflected not only in its technical and academic results, but also in the articulation of efforts among academia, the public sector, and private enterprise, following the triple helix innovation model that promotes cooperation for territorial development. With 46 academic events held, more than 20,800 hours of virtual course views, and a solid knowledge network, the project leaves a legacy of transformation that will continue to drive the region’s competitiveness and sustainability.

Through this achievement, the University of Cauca reaffirms its commitment to excellence, innovation, and the comprehensive education of its students, demonstrating that knowledge transforms territories and opens pathways toward development. The CDT Vial stands as evidence of the power of research and collaboration to generate well-being and progress, a dream made reality thanks to joint efforts with the General System of Royalties (through the Government of Cauca), the Swedish Institute of Technology, and private enterprise.