Trabajo decente y crecimiento económico

Effective pest management targeting insects that degrade fruit cosmetic quality and yield is a critical determinant of sustainability and competitiveness for Ecuador’s premier export commodity: bananas. Within this framework, the oral defense was held for the postgraduate thesis in the Master’s Program in Applied Biosciences with a concentration in Biodiscovery, presented by researcher Brisny Camila Zarate Puga.

Forging paths through international cooperation and connecting the scientific rigor of laboratories with global trade regulations was the central theme of the presentation by ESPOL biology graduate Yulai Pavón, an alumna of the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS), during an informational webinar organized by the Asia-Pacific Studies Center at ESPOL.

Biology students from the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) at ESPOL participated in the 9th Ecuadorian Ornithology Meeting (REO 2026), held from July 29 to August 2, 2026, in Cotacachi, Imbabura province. This gathering brought together students, researchers, professionals, birdwatchers, and representatives from various organizations dedicated to the study and conservation of Ecuadorian and Neotropical avifauna.

The recent ban on chlorpyrifos issued by Ecuador's Agency for Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control (Agrocalidad)—which barred the importation of formulated products, raw materials, and mixtures containing this compound following its listing under the Stockholm Convention—has sparked widespread debate among authorities, export associations, and the agrochemical industry regarding the timeframe needed to clear inventories from the domestic market.

The banana sector, a fundamental pillar of the Ecuadorian economy, faces one of its greatest phytosanitary challenges: the fungus Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4). In a recent media appearance, Dr. Freddy Magdama, a research professor at the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS), shared his analysis of the prevention and control strategies necessary to safeguard this strategic crop.

The Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) is proud to announce the graduation of Ana María Gramal Andrango, Eng., who today earned her Master’s degree in Plant Health. Her research represents a significant advancement in the precision of phytosanitary diagnostics for Ecuador’s flower industry.

In a labor market evolving toward digitalization and data analysis, the Life Sciences Faculty (LFS) reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and the training of highly competitive professionals.

At ESPOL’s Life Sciences Faculty (LFS), quality is not a transient goal but a permanent standard. We proudly recall that our Biology program holds the prestigious international accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology (RSB)—a milestone achieved on February 5, 2025, under the coordination of Dr. María Fernanda Ratti.

In Ecuador, bananas are much more than just a fruit; they are the heart of our agricultural economy, representing approximately 2% of the national GDP. However, the shadow of Banana Fusarium Wilt (Tropical Race 4)—a persistent and devastating fungus—poses a constant threat. In this scenario, prevention is not just an option; it is a necessity for survival.

The Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) has set a historic precedent in higher education. The Nutrition and Dietetics program, part of the Faculty of Life Sciences (FCV), has officially been granted Candidacy for Accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®).