International Scientific Convention begins at a Cuban University

Cienfuegos, Cuba, Oct 21 (Prensa Latina) — The 4th International Scientific Convention at the “Carlos Rafael Rodriguez” University of Cienfuegos has begun, featuring researchers from six countries who have gathered to share scientific findings and strengthen academic collaboration.

October 21, 2026
12:51

During her opening remarks, the university’s Rector, Orquílidea Urquiola Sanchez, highlighted the challenges facing higher education in Cuba—specifically the need to train specialists for an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.

She also underscored the vital role of new technologies in both education and the country’s broader economic and social development.

The keynote address, titled “Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: From Technological Adoption to the Transformation of the University,” which launched the scientific event, was delivered by Denys Buedo Hidalgo (MSc, Engineer), Director of Informatization at Cuba’s Ministry of Higher Education.

Buedo Hidalgo urged the academics, both on-site and participating online—to stop asking whether students will use AI in their studies, and instead focus on *how* they will use it.

This edition of the scientific convention includes a large number of online participants joining via videoconference, due to travel difficulties from other nations to Cuba—a situation exacerbated over the past year by the U.S. blockade against the country.

The program includes 7 international scientific workshops, 4 symposia and seminars, as well as a hybrid-format student forum.

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