The First Ecuadorian Society of Cosmology

The first Ecuadorian Society of Cosmology (SEC) was founded on April 15, 2026, by the Ecuadorian scientist Donato Benincasa Paredes as an independent scientific organization dedicated to the development, promotion, and consolidation of cosmology in Ecuador. Its creation responds to the need to establish a formal institutional structure that integrates theoretical physics, astrophysics, and cosmology, strengthening scientific research, academic innovation, and the transfer of knowledge to society.

Cosmology is defined as the interdisciplinary field that studies the origin, evolution, structure, and dynamics of the universe, including phenomena such as cosmic expansion, dark matter, dark energy, general relativity, galaxy formation, and models of the early universe. Its application enables the scientific modeling of cosmological processes and the understanding of the physical foundations of the cosmos.

The SEC is established as an open and inclusive organization that allows the participation of scientists, students, researchers, astronomy enthusiasts, and individuals with or without university degrees. This model seeks to integrate empirical knowledge, scientific interest, and formal academic knowledge, promoting a collective construction of scientific understanding.

Access to and membership in the Ecuadorian Society of Cosmology is completely free of charge and open to all individuals regardless of academic background, age, or origin, guaranteeing universal access to scientific knowledge and participation in research and development activities.

Individuals interested in joining the society may contact the institution through the official number +593 99 756 1752, designated for member registration, coordination of scientific activities, and internal organization.

The permanent headquarters of the society is established in the city of Riobamba, Chimborazo Province, selected for its strategic location, geographical conditions, and potential for the development of scientific and astronomical activities in Ecuador.

Institutional Structure

The SEC adopts a functional hierarchical structure based on principles of organizational clarity, academic responsibility, and operational efficiency.

General Directorate

President: Donato Benincasa Paredes
Vice President: Narciza Elizabeth Paredes Lucio
Secretary: Jared Iescas González
Treasurer: Paul Moreno Arteaga

The General Directorate constitutes the institutional governing body responsible for official representation, strategic planning, and the general administration of the society.

Scientific Advisory Office

Scientific Advisor: Fabián Jumbo

The Scientific Advisory Office fulfills a cross-disciplinary role of academic guidance, ensuring scientific coherence, methodological quality, and the rigor of the research conducted within the society.

Scientific Council

Director of Research: Solange Acuña

The Scientific Council is responsible for the planning, evaluation, and supervision of research projects, ensuring their scientific relevance and application within the field of cosmology.

Technical Directorates

Director of Innovation and Technology: Leyder Zuluaga
Director of Scientific and Community Outreach: Paúl Sebastián Moreno

The Technical Directorates are responsible for the strategic implementation of institutional objectives, promoting the application of science, technological innovation, and collaboration with academic and scientific institutions.

Institutional Coordinations

Coordinator of Training and Education: Adriana Toscano
Coordinator of International Projects: Raymundo Mendoza Cárdenas

The Institutional Coordinations execute specific programs related to scientific training, educational development, and international cooperation projects.

Educational Advisory Council

Francisco Javier Paredes – Principal of the General Eloy Alfaro Educational Unit

This council strengthens the relationship between the scientific society and the educational system by promoting science education, knowledge dissemination, and the participation of educational institutions in research processes.

Model of Participation, Governance, and Social Projection

The SEC is founded upon an open participation model that allows the integration of individuals with different levels of academic training, including people with or without university degrees. This approach seeks to consolidate an environment of scientific collaboration where interest in the universe, astronomical observation, and theoretical knowledge complement one another within a unified system of work.

Within the framework of its organizational structure, the SEC establishes periodic annual elections with the objective of democratizing institutional leadership and guaranteeing the active participation of its members in decision-making processes. This mechanism strengthens transparency, the renewal of authorities, and the organizational stability of the society.

Membership in the society is completely free and open to everyone without restrictions, promoting universal access to science and research.

Regarding its social and scientific projection, the SEC will develop multiple outreach, educational, and research projects in different regions of Ecuador, aimed at strengthening scientific culture and the study of the universe through the application of principles of cosmology and theoretical physics.

Comprehensive Training of Members

The members of the SEC are currently in the process of learning the English language with the objective of strengthening the institution’s international representation, facilitating participation in global scientific networks, and improving communication in foreign academic contexts.

At the same time, the learning of the Quichua language is promoted as part of the institution’s commitment to territorial and social engagement, with the purpose of strengthening connections with rural communities, working-class neighborhoods, and Indigenous peoples of Ecuador, fostering inclusive and accessible scientific outreach.

Institutional Nature and Objectives

The Ecuadorian Society of Cosmology has as its central objective the promotion of the development of cosmology in Ecuador through scientific research, academic dissemination, and the articulation between the scientific, educational, and social sectors.

Its objectives include the study of cosmological phenomena, the strengthening of scientific research, the promotion of theoretical physics and astrophysics, the integration of researchers and students, and the contribution to the scientific and cultural development of the country.

Institutional Projection

The SEC is projected as a leading scientific platform in Ecuador, with the capacity to integrate into international research networks. Its future development is oriented toward strengthening cosmological research, scientific dissemination, and the training of specialized human talent in cosmology and theoretical physics.

Final Statement

The creation of the Ecuadorian Society of Cosmology (SEC) represents a significant advancement in the institutionalization of cosmological research in Ecuador. Its organized structure, interdisciplinary approach, and inclusive model position it as an initiative oriented toward scientific development, the promotion of physics and cosmology, and the integration of the country into the international scientific community.