The EPN inaugurates the SOFIA Center: a milestone in engineering training in Ecuador

In an institutional ceremony marked by academic commitment, the National Polytechnic School (EPN) officially inaugurated the Center for Capacity Building for the Training of Engineering Educators – SOFIA, a strategic initiative promoted within the framework of the European ENTITLE – Erasmus+ project, which seeks to strengthen the quality of higher education in engineering in Latin America.

The opening was led by Mgs. Doralisa Niachimba, Director of Teaching at the EPN, who welcomed the audience with words that highlighted the transformative purpose of the new center. “The SOFIA Center represents a concrete response to current demands for quality in engineering teacher training and positions the EPN as a regional benchmark,” she said.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments was the speech by Dr. José Carlos Quadrado, president of the ENAEE Network and one of the most influential figures in the international accreditation of engineering programs. “Strengthening teaching capacities is a direct investment in the future. With the SOFIA Center, Ecuador joins a global network committed to academic excellence,” said Quadrado, highlighting the alignment with EUR-ACE standards.

In her speech, Dr. Ramos said that the SOFÍA Center was created within the framework of two high-impact projects: EENTITLE and E-TALENT, funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program: “Today we are gathered here for an event that will mark a turning point in the history of our institution and, without a doubt, in Ecuadorian higher education.”

Dr. Tarquino Sánchez, rector of the EPN, attended the event and emphasized in his speech that the SOFIA Center “is an example of how international cooperation can have a tangible impact on our academic communities. Investing in educators is investing in the country.”

With this inauguration, the EPN reaffirms its leadership in educational transformation processes, consolidating its role in the Latin American network of institutions seeking to advance toward engineering education with global quality standards.