2024
The finalists of the second edition of the contest promoted by INVAP, which highlights applied research projects in the engineering universe with a plurality of perspectives, were announced today. The winners will be announced on October 15 at an awards ceremony to be held in Buenos Aires.
The General Manager of INVAP, Engineer Darío Giussi, expressed the importance of the contest in terms of “promoting projects that leave a mark in Argentina and the world, because the development of knowledge is one of the pillars of the country’s development. This type of initiative stimulates young talent and fosters interaction between Argentine universities and the scientific and technological ecosystem.”
Roxana Cocco, president of the jury, pointed out that she sees engineering as “a tool to transform ideas into practical solutions and improve the quality of life. Encouraging youth to be part of the transformation is the idea of the contest,” she stressed. And she added that “as a woman in engineering, I am very pleased with the participation of 60 women in the competition, 6% more than in the previous edition.”
Finally, Julio Bourdin, general coordinator of the contest, emphasized that the dynamics of the presentation of the shortlists allows “to better recognize the efforts of the participants.”
“We have a lot of confidence in the education system. We will support this initiative,” concluded Giussi.
Finalists
Undergraduate category
The shortlist in this category includes the paper of Ignacio Martín Espinosa, Germán Ariel Galarza and Germán Balerdi.
“Recycling of fissile materials from RA-3 spent fuel assemblies” is the work of Mr. Espinosa, from the Dan Beninson Nuclear Technology Institute of the National University of San Martín (Province of Buenos Aires). The selected thesis provides a novel process for the recycling of spent fuel assemblies from research reactors, which reduces the volume of material to be treated in the final storage. It also limits risk and its impact.
In addition, “Design and implementation of an impedance tube based on the transfer function method,” is the finalist proposal of Germán Galarza, from the Sound Engineering program of the National University of Tres de Febrero (Province of Buenos Aires). The project develops an instrument that measures sound absorption in materials used for the construction and soundproofing of spaces.
The project “Development of a tool based on deep learning algorithms for the automatic evaluation of the lumbar area musculature from magnetic resonance images,” by Germán Balerdi, Biomedical Engineer of the National University of San Martín (Province of Buenos Aires) improves the methods of diagnostic imaging, which is often slow and not compatible with current information-intensive imaging technologies. The method uses deep learning to reduce subjectivity in image analysis and allows the use of novel diagnostic techniques for lumbar pathologies.
Master’s Degree category
The finalist projects in this category correspond to Ailén G. Ferrando, Maia I. Desamo Rodríguez and Esteban D. Volentini.
“Bioremediation of soils contaminated with hydrocarbons: study of the effects and effectiveness of the technique using organic amendments” is the work of Ailén G.Ferrando, from the Master in Environmental Intervention of the National University of Comahue (Neuquén), which analyzes the effectiveness of different organic materials to reduce and manage hydrocarbon contaminants in soils. Chicken guano, residues from charcoal manufacturing processes and bokeshi (a fermented organic compost) act as agents in the bioremediation processes of contaminated soils in northern Patagonia.
In the paper “Synchronism in multicarrier modulation systems using OFDM,” Maia I. Desamo Rodríguez, from the Master in Telecommunications Engineering, Balseiro Institute and National University of Cuyo, develops a methodology to identify and manage interference from wifi networks in images generated by meteorological radars.
In addition, “Automatic tests in embedded systems” is the nominated project of Esteban D. Volentini, from the Master’s Degree in Embedded Systems, School of Engineering of the University of Buenos Aires. The work proposes an automatic system to test the correct operation of embedded systems software, which are electronic systems included in other equipment, such as a harvester or a washing machine. Its open-source development is designed to make such verification accessible to SMEs.
Doctorate category
The shortlist of three candidates includes the theses of Facundo D. Mosquera, Noelia A. Palacios and Santiago Cerrotta.
“Development of advanced control strategies for wave energy extraction systems” is the project of Facundo D. Mosquera, PhD in Engineering at the National University of La Plata. The thesis provides a pioneering approach to the study and design of control strategies for ocean wave energy converters, one of the renewable energies used to produce electricity. The project enables the local development of these systems and contributes to technological autonomy.
In “Precipitation of magnesium hydroxide as a step prior to the extraction of lithium from Puna brines by electrolysis with membrane separation,” the author, Noelia A. Palacios, PhD in Engineering at the National University of Salta, focuses on the presence of impurities of certain substances in the lithium brine that complicate the mineral’s extraction processes. The work develops an economical and more sustainable process to remove magnesium and calcium from the brine as a pre-processing prior to lithium extraction.
“New low coherence interferometry detectors for industrial applications” is the paper of Santiago Cerrotta, PhD in Engineering at the National Technological University – Delta Regional School. The paper presents non-conventional detectors, inspired by others that are used in medicine, with application for non-destructive tests related to the production processes of materials and industrial equipment. The thesis deploys strategies to lower their costs based on low coherence interferometry.
In this edition, 138 theses from 15 provinces representing 37 careers related to engineering were submitted.
On October 15, at the headquarters of the Argentine Foreign Ministry (Esmeralda Street 1212), the award ceremony will be conducted by Diego Golombek, biologist and science communicator, and journalist and broadcaster Verónica Castañares.
This initiative of the company, supported by INVAP Foundation, is a federal contest to recognize the Argentine talent in innovative research and projects that, by means of engineering practice, have real applications in strategic areas for the development of the country and seek to build a better future for Argentines.
