EDITORIAL
Impact of the CIENTUMat Student Scientific Group of the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas
Impacto del Grupo Científico Estudiantil CIENTUMat de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas
Richard Marcial Gálvez Vila 1*, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0829-1357
José Alfredo Gallego Sánchez 2, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7686-8776
1 Matanzas University of Medical Sciences. "Dr. Juan Guiteras Gener" Matanzas Faculty of Medical Sciences. Matanzas, Cuba.
2 Dr. Zoilo Enrique Marinello Vidaurreta" University of Medical Sciences. Puerto Padre Branch of Medical Sciences. Puerto Padre, Las Tunas, Cuba.
* Corresponding author: richardgalvez163@gmail.com
Received: 09/12/2024
Aceppted: 13/06/2025
How to cite this article: Gálvez-Vila RM, Gallego-Sánchez JA. Impact of the CIENTUMat Student Scientific Group of the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas. MedEst. [Internet]. 2025 [cited access date]; 5:e290. Available in: https://revmedest.sld.cu/index.php/medest/article/view/290
Dear readers:
In a context where information advances by leaps and bounds and scientific advances are increasingly relevant to medical practice, it is crucial that our future professionals not only become experts in their field, but also effective communicators of science.(1)
Scientific outreach is essential for students to understand complex concepts and acquire skills to interact with the community, thus promoting an evidence-based health culture. Therefore, it is crucial to implement initiatives that integrate outreach into the academic curriculum, ensuring that our students not only master technical knowledge but can also communicate it in a clear and accessible way. (1)
The CIENTUMat Student Scientific Group of the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas was born in response to the need to foster a scientific culture among healthcare students. Given the growing advancement of medical knowledge and the importance of research in the healthcare field, the urgent need to create a space where future professionals could actively engage in the generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge was identified.
Since its founding on May 10, 2024, CIENTUMat has had a significant impact on scientific dissemination, offering workshops, conferences, courses, and scientific events that allow students to explore various areas of knowledge. It has also encouraged participation in national and international scientific events, thus enriching the training of its members. It currently has 800 members, including students and professors of Medical Sciences, as well as doctors with various research categories from universities across the country.
The creation of student scientific groups, such as the Student Scientific Group of the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas (CIENTUMat), is essential for strengthening learning and research in the academic field. These groups not only provide students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful research projects but also foster a collaborative environment that stimulates creativity and critical thinking. (1)
CIENTUMat aims, first and foremost, to foster interest in research among students. It also aims to facilitate access to scientific resources and methodologies, thus promoting collaborative work. The group also aims to strengthen the communication and critical skills of its members, preparing them to serve as active agents in the dissemination of scientific and professional knowledge.
The results have been outstanding: an increase in student participation in research projects and scientific publications has been observed. Furthermore, group members have established a robust collaborative network with other academic and professional centers, which has fostered an environment conducive to learning and innovation in the field of medical sciences.
The interest of students from various universities in the CIENTUMat group is evident, as it offers them the opportunity to stay informed about a variety of scientific events. Many students, especially those from more remote institutions, often lack access to this essential information. For this reason, CIENTUMat presents itself as a student scientific group that acts as a link to connect these young people with meaningful activities, thus encouraging their active participation and enriching their academic and professional training in the field of Medical Sciences. (2)
Collaboration between students and faculty on research projects strengthens academic skills and fosters a sense of community and social responsibility. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, contributing to innovative solutions for local health problems. Participation in volunteering and health education programs helps future physicians develop empathy and better understand the needs of the population. We invite everyone to join this effort for a healthier future, and we are grateful for the support of the student scientific groups of the Medical Sciences in Cuba. (2)
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
1. Pancorbo J, Sánchez Y, Fernández Y, Vega M. Los grupos científicos estudiantiles como estrategia para el desarrollo de proyectos de investigación. Revista Científica Mundo Recursivo [Internet]. 2024 [cited 04/11/2024]; 7(1):163-178. Available in: https://atlantic.edu.ec/ojs/index.php/mundor/article/view/228
2. Vitón-Castillo AA, Riverón-Carralero WJ, Rivero-Morey RJ, Hernández-García F, Lazo-Herrera LA. Factores asociados a la publicación por miembros de grupos científicos estudiantiles en universidades médicas cubanas. Rev Cub Med Mil [Internet]. 2022 [cited 04/11/2024]; 51(2). Available in: http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0138-65572022000200012&lng=es&tlng=pt
AUTHORSHIP STATEMENT
RMGV: Conceptualization, research, methodology, project administration, validation, original draft, review, editing.
JAGS: Conceptualization, research, methodology, validation, original draft, review, editing.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
SOURCES OF FUNDING
The authors did not receive funding for the development of this article.