U.B. Launches Hummingbird Analytical Laboratory
The University of Belize’s Belmopan Campus today launched its Hummingbird Analytical Lab. An analytical lab offers services that analyze and calcify certain chemical, material, biological, geological and environmental samples. It is a huge leap forward for the national university’s Faculty of Science and Technology. And today, an official ceremony was held in Belmopan in commemoration of this milestone.
Vincent Palacio
Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, U.B.
“A very monumental event here this morning where we launched our Hummingbird Analytical Laboratory. It is one that has been long in coming but we are finally here where we have facilities that could do some unique, some deep chemistry that is needed for the country. As the national university we are responsible to be able to provide such service that could lead national development, of course for the country. It is long in coming but very important. The lab is a national resource. We will provide service but people will have to pay for the service because we have to sustain the operations of the lab. So, we will provide testing services for industries, the private sector, public sector who deal with water, soil, the ocean, etc. but, the lab will be available for our students, faculty members, researchers. So, we will use it to advance the science and we will use it for students to learn how to use the equipment but also to generate income for the university.”
Apolonio Aguilar
Dr. Apolonio Aguilar, Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology, U.B.
“What we have here with all of this equipment will give our students an opportunity to learn techniques, modern techniques, modern and analytical techniques. And, we put them above the rest. Our students will be competitive when they go into industries, if they want to be creative and start new industries they are going to have experience where they have used and can make their companies more competitive. This analytical work is what is needed for let’s say you want to export. You have to meet certain standards, our students if they are innovating and making new companies, will be able to meet those standards and will be above everybody else.”
