In response to the growing challenges of the digital environment and data-driven decision-making, the Statistics Engineering program at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (FCNM) of ESPOL successfully hosted the 3rd edition of the School of Statistics and Data Analysis.
The academic gathering brought together 660 participants, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty,researchers, and professionals from both the public and private sectors. In-person activities took place from October 19 to 23, 2026, at the STEM Graduate Building on the Gustavo Galindo Campus, with simultaneous broadcasting via Zoom.
Delivered in a hybrid format, the initiative totaled 41 hours of training comprising intensive courses and practical workshops focused on solving real-world problems through data science, advanced analytics, and predictive models. In addition, the event achieved a significant international reach, registering attendees from the United States, Peru,Colombia, Panama, Scotland, Guatemala, and Chile.
A Space for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer
Throughout the sessions, attendees took part in specialized mini-courses and practical workshops focused on solving complex problems using data and generative artificial intelligence. Featured topics included:
Data Science and Machine Learning: Applied to time series and regression models.
Advanced Analytics and AI: Utilization of computational tools such as R, Python, and cloud analytics.
Applied Workshops: Satellite data processing and data governance.
Dr. Erwin Delgado Bravo, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, highlighted the significance of these academic spaces for comprehensive progress, noting: "It is an honor for our Faculty to promote spaces like this, where scientific knowledge, specialized training, and the exchange of experiences converge to drive the academic and professional development of our participants."
For her part, Jéssica Menéndez, M.Sc., coordinator of the event, emphasized the impact of the gathering: "Reaching this third edition represents the continuity of a collective effort to build accessible academic training and professional development spaces that connect students, faculty, and professionals with emerging methodologies and trends. It brings us great satisfaction to see how this initiative extends beyond our classrooms and borders, sparking the interest of participants from diverse disciplines and countries. We hope that each edition opens new opportunities for learning,collaboration, and professional growth.
Participant Perspectives
At the conclusion of the event, attendees highlighted the value of diving deeper into new statistical concepts and the direct applicability of these tools within their respective professional fields:
"This is my second time participating in the School of Statistics and Data Analysis. This time around, I had the opportunity to meet various professors and explore practical applications for new statistical concepts, gaining knowledge that will directly benefit my upcoming work," noted Freddy Hernández, president of the Ecuadorian Academy of Oceanographic Sciences.
Similarly, Vladimir Montiel, a contributor at SOLCA, echoed the technical impact of the gathering:
"It has been a deeply enriching experience. ESPOL is always at the forefront with new methods applicable across different disciplines—in my case, geared toward the healthcare sector."
FCNM: Three Editions Leading Analytical Training in the Country
With the successful completion of this third edition, the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (FCNM) reaffirms its leading role as a driving force for scientific and technological innovation within ESPOL.
Across its three consecutive runs, the School of Statistics and Data Analysis has established itself as a benchmark event nationwide. This milestone underscores FCNM’s ongoing vision to anticipate labor market demands, promote high-level knowledge transfer, and empower hundreds of professionals with the tools that are transforming decision-making across Ecuador and the region.
