SANTO DOMINGO. – The Research Seminar on Energy Resources and Environment (SIREMA) of the Universidad del Caribe (UNICARIBE) celebrated its first anniversary, consolidating itself as an academic space oriented to applied research, scientific innovation and sustainable development.

SIREMA was created in 2025 by the then director of the Environmental Management and Renewable Energy program, Julian Peña, together with a founding group of 12 students. Currently, the seedbed is led by the career coordinator, Yolenny Cuello.

The group was created with the mission of promoting research, innovation, entrepreneurship and academic training in the sustainable use of energy resources and environmental protection. Through scientific, technological and social projects, SIREMA seeks to provide solutions linked to environmental sustainability, energy transition and the welfare of society.

One of its main milestones is that its members are part of the first cohort of the Environmental Management and Renewable Energy career, promotion 2026. The team is made up of Diana Lucía Morales Parra, Jorge Luis Martínez Soriano, Sandry Ricardo Mejía Ramírez, Kamila Méndez Rubel, Keisy Josefina Beltre Brito, Nirson Medina Espaillat, Elinson Tomás Rubio Pérez, Darvin Darío Batista Ferreras, Luis Eduardo Corporán, Noel García and Samy Mateo.

During its first year, SIREMA students have participated in important scientific and academic events, such as the IX Student Congress of Scientific and Technological Research (CEICYT), Sfera, Reto Marte, the 1st University Social Entrepreneurship Summit, the International Congress on Water Scarcity and Energy Resources, and the Republic of Ideas.

In these spaces they have presented projects with real impact potential, among them the design of biodigesters for rural communities in Hato Mayor, the energy characterization of forest biomass and the analysis of groundwater quality in Veron, Punta Cana.

The strengthening of SIREMA, accompanied by its new institutional image, marks the beginning of a stage oriented towards the development of applied research, social innovation initiatives and scientific projects led by UNICARIBE students, reaffirming the university’s commitment to the generation of sustainable solutions to current climate and environmental challenges.

Author: Kamila Méndez, Student of Environmental Management and Renewable Energies, Founding Member of the SIREMA Research Seminar.