For our first university visit in Monetvideo we visited the university of the republic, Udelar. The university is not built on a single campus, but many buildings scattered around the city. Our morning was dedicated to the chemistry faculty which was being freshly renovated. We were shown their newest lecture room. Due to classes going on, visiting the labs at first was not possible, thus we were invited to talk to students. After our talk, some students and faculty members showed us around their research and teaching labs.

Interestingly, Uruguay is a very big exporter of rice thus one of their researchers explained how they extract silica from husks to then reuse for catalytic supports. After this short lab tour, with a very nice view of the Uruguayan parliament, we visited a different building including the library and their cafeteria for a quick lunch.

During the lunch we were informed by one of our guides, Franco, that he could arrange a quick guided tour of the parliament which we gladly accepted! Our parliament tour guide, Daniel, showed us around the magnificent marble building filled with a lot of nice sculptures and mosaics, after which we were taken into the senate and house of representatives. Due to the limited time, we had to miss out on the library, but as it is generally open to the public the option to come back another day is still open.

Following our side quest, we visited the Engineering Faculty of Udelar. The visit started with a presentation about the university, whereafter Alex, a PhD student, explained about some of his previous and active research in (bio)chemical engineering. He also explained a ‘fun’ tradition they have, which is that male graduates get their heads shaved after receiving their degree. The presentations were however kept short, as they were very happy to show us around their faculty. We were shown around their bioprocess and drying lab, where they investigate bio-waste valorization. After which they showed us their microorganisms lab, also used for the same purpose. Lastly, we were shown their materials lab where they investigate additives for mainly construction materials. This was the last lab visit of the day, whereafter we were shown out, took a nice picture and were able to chat to the students about student life in Montevideo. One of the students even invited us to a nice bar, but as he had plans for today he invited us to come tomorrow so he can invite all his friends.

Now the free time has started, so it is time for a nice dinner and a good nights rest as tomorrow we need to be up bright and early for our visit to LATU R&D!