On December 11, 2025, the IEEE Communications Society Ecuador Chapter actively supported the XIV Edition of the WiCOM Science Talent Search 2025, hosted by the Departamento de Eléctrica, Electrónica y Telecomunicaciones of the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas – ESPE, at its main campus in Sangolquí. This consolidated academic event continues to serve as a strategic platform for fostering research culture, innovation, and early talent development in telecommunications and intelligent systems.
Organized by the WiCOM–Energy Research Group and the Ad Hoc Networks Research Center - CIRAD, the event brought together faculty members, researchers, and undergraduate students from the Telecommunications Engineering program. WiCOM 2025 reflected a strong alignment between institutional research objectives and IEEE ComSoc’s goal: To advance communications and networking technology for the betterment of humanity.
The technical program featured a full-day agenda with invited talks addressing topics such as digital terrestrial television systems, assistive technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainability-oriented engineering education, intelligent radiocommunications, radar systems, and seismic event classification using machine learning techniques. Several of the invited speakers are actively engaged in IEEE ComSoc membership development programs, reinforcing the value of professional growth pathways within the Society. Notably, Dr. Gonzalo Olmedo and Dr. Vinicio Carrera, both IEEE Senior Members, shared their technical expertise while serving as role models for professional advancement within IEEE.
A key highlight of the event was the participation of Dr. Cheng Chen, IEEE Communications Society Distinguished Lecturer, who delivered the talk “Wi-Fi Sensing: Use Cases, Standard Technologies, and Ecosystem Enablement.” His presentation provided a comprehensive overview of emerging Wi-Fi sensing capabilities, standard technologies, and ecosystem development, offering attendees a forward-looking perspective on next-generation wireless systems.
WiCOM Science Talent Search 2025 also showcased the diversity of IEEE ComSoc engagement across career stages: Ariana Lara, an IEEE Student Member, and Eng. Lady Pasquel, an IEEE Professional Member, contributed technical presentations that highlighted the growing involvement of young researchers and early-career professionals in high-impact research activities. In parallel, Dra. Nancy Paredes, an active member of Women in Communications Engineering (WICE), addressed assistive technologies, reinforcing ComSoc’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, and to promoting women in engineering and research. The program was further strengthened by the contribution of Ing. Fernando Lara, an IEEE Communications Society member, who presented work on radar systems, highlighting the relevance of applied research within the ComSoc community.
In addition, Dr. Román Lara, IEEE ComSoc Ecuador Chair, delivered a talk titled “Intelligent Radiocommunications,” discussing current trends in adaptive wireless systems and the role of intelligent techniques in modern communication environments. The presentation emphasized the importance of bridging academic research with real-world applications and highlighted opportunities for IEEE ComSoc engagement in emerging research areas.
Complementing the technical sessions, a dedicated IEEE segment led by the IEEE Student Branch ESPE emphasized the benefits of IEEE and ComSoc membership, including professional development, networking opportunities, and pathways such as Member Elevation to Senior Member, inspiring students and professionals to further engage with the global IEEE community.
Beyond its academic content, WiCOM Science Talent Search 2025 fostered an environment of mentorship, collaboration, and community building. The event enabled direct interaction among students, senior researchers, and IEEE members, strengthening interdisciplinary dialogue and encouraging future participation in research projects and international IEEE initiatives.
After fourteen successful editions, WiCOM has become a reference event within ESPE and Ecuador’s telecommunications ecosystem. The 2025 edition reaffirmed the joint commitment of IEEE ComSoc Ecuador and Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas — ESPE to advancing research excellence, promoting IEEE membership development, and empowering the next generation of communications engineers and researchers.