Oscar Felipe Agredo Campuzano, a member of the Hydraulic Department at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the University of Cauca, was awarded a scholarship from the Chilean Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AGCID). This scholarship allowed him to participate in the First International Course on Flood and Landslide Hazard Assessment in Uncontrolled Basins with Limited Information.

Standing Out as One of the Selected Professors to Participate in this Academic Experience, Professor Felipe Agredo Completed the First International Course on Flood and Landslide Hazard Assessment in Uncontrolled Basins with Limited Information. This course, offered by the Government of Chile through the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Chile and supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), took place between May and July 2024, featuring participants from over 30 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It thus became a unique opportunity to enrich knowledge on this relevant topic, which has gained greater importance due to changing climatic conditions.

“Receiving this scholarship for me was a reward for my effort and dedication in the analysis of torrential flows, a branch of Hydraulic Engineering that has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its relevance in developing innovative approaches to natural risk management,” stated Professor Felipe, proud of having experienced this opportunity and serving as an example for his students, showing them that there are many opportunities that should not be missed.

The course focused on the action priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, addressing critical issues related to mass movements, flooding, and torrential flows in the region. The experience gained by Professor Agredo not only enriches his professional career but also opens new opportunities for research collaboration among the participating institutions.

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Professor Felipe is passionate about educational processes. This graduate from the University of Cauca holds degrees in Civil Engineering and a specialization in Water Resources Engineering, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Hydraulic and Hydrological Engineering. He is also an active member of the Research Group in Hydraulics and Hydrology (GIHH) and the HydroInnovation Research Seedbed. Thus, his participation in this course represents a significant achievement for our university community, allowing him to exchange knowledge with international scientists and strengthen academic relationships with renowned institutions such as the University of Chile and Kyoto University.

As part of his commitment to AGCID and in alignment with the academic objectives of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Cauca, Professor Felipe has designed an action plan that includes the formulation of an elective course titled “Assessment of Flood and Torrential Flow Hazards,” aimed at undergraduate and graduate students. This course seeks to provide students with advanced tools for assessing flood and mass movement threats, enabling the development of mitigation strategies. It will feature participation from experts from Latin America, the Caribbean, Japan, Chile, and the United States, fostering the exchange of knowledge and experiences among students and international scholars: truly wonderful!

From the University of Cauca, we celebrate this achievement and reaffirm our commitment to academic development and research, supporting initiatives that further enhance the profile of highly qualified professionals to tackle the challenges of climate change and disaster risk management in a global context.

Written by: Center for Communication Management