Universities in Cuenca held a special ceremony to present the book entitled "Pandemia desde la academia. Experiencias transdisciplinarias de la universidad cuencana en tiempos de COVID-19", which was carried out by scientists from the four higher education institutions in the city. The book, coordinated by Andrea De Santis, Luis Álvarez, Victoria Jara and Adriana Verdugo, contains knowledge and experiences accumulated by the universities in the first hours of the pandemic. The event was attended by the main university representatives.

Father Juan Cárdenas Tapia, President of Universidad Politecnica Salesiana UPS), was pleased with the presentation of the book, he stressed the great continuous social work carried out by teachers and researchers to write the book which compiles articles of great importance.

Father Juan Cardenas, stated that the word pandemic took hold of the world since 2020 and will stay a long time, its impact extends to all public, family, social, educational, economic or political levels. "Let us understand that behind the statistics are people, let us not forget that we are human beings, who suffer and face this crisis", he said. "The book presents hearts and different minds of academics, researchers, professionals and citizens come together to materialize a worthy example of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work, which is always necessary for the study, management and solutions in emerging times".

The Head of Research at Universidad de Cuenca, Monserrath Jerves, said "today we present a book that brings together research and reflections carried out by professors and professionals during the first months of the health emergency. The work contains the work of Cuenca's universities with the purpose of contributing to the knowledge of an event that has marked the history of humanity ".

Fernando Pesántez, general vice president of UPS, commented the book, he explained each of the articles and stressed its magnificent content and presentation. He said he felt honored for having been called to comment on this book "it includes the transdisciplinary experiences of universities in Cuenca, which have scientifically and ethically faced this painful pandemic. 

Vanesa Bermeo academic coordinator of Universidad Catolica de Cuenca, made a review of the role of academia, which must transform situations, societies, that can be analyzed from different angles and through substantive functions, teaching, research and community engagement, "this book is an example of teamwork where academia reacts immediately".

Fransisco Salgado, president of Universidad del Azuay, stated that this book allows people to reflect on social situations, he stressed the importance of universities working together. 
  

Download the book for free: https://upsalesiana.ec/despandacad