Dundee University (Scotland) Student is Doing his Research Fellowship at Externado

Richard Wichmann, who is studying the master’s degree in Law and International Energy Policy of the Centre of Energy, Petroleum Mineral Law and Policy, University of Dundee, is doing a two-month research fellowship in the Department of Mining-Energy Law of our Alma Mater. He will be under the direction of Professor Milton Fernando Montoya, who is also an honorary professor at the Scottish institution.

“Thanks to the excellent international reputation of the Department of Mining and Energy Law of Universidad Externado de Colombia, I decided to apply for a research fellowship here, in what I consider to be one of the most important universities in Latin America. In this process of academic exchange, I am grateful for all the support received from the Directors of the University, headed by the Rector, Hernando Parra Nieto; the Director of the Department of Mining and Energy Law, Luis Ferney Moreno; and the Director of Internationalisation, Giovanni Anzola,” stated the student.

The research fellowship is possible thanks to a scholarship from the Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Section of the International Bar Association and the solid academic cooperation agreement between the Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) of the University of Dundee and the Department of Mining and Energy Law of Externado de Colombia University.

“Since the first day of my visit, professors Milton Montoya, Luis Bustos, and Daniela Aguilar, have welcomed me very well and have helped me with all my questions. I am very happy with the University, with my classmates, with the professors and with the experience in general. Two incredible months await me to continue my research and to get to know the incredible city of Bogota,” said Wichmann.

Professor Montoya, Research Director of the Department of Mining Energy Law, supervises Mr. Wichmann’s master’s thesis, focused on the Analysis of the opportunities for the mining countries of South America, such as Colombia, in the framework of energy transition.

Richard Wichmann took advantage of his stay in Bogota to talk about the proposal of the president-elect, Gustavo Petro, on energy transition:

“In view of the election of Petro, which promises a faster energy transition process, I believe that a firm commitment to energy transition is fundamentally important and correct. However, the current energy crisis shows that the world remains dependent on fossil fuels and that energy transition is a long process that cannot happen overnight. Europe, in particular, has been too naive in its approach to energy transition and is now paying a heavy price in the form of high energy prices and high dependency. In this sense, energy transition must be adapted to the practical needs and resources of each country. Colombia is a country with significant energy resources, hydrocarbons, and mining, which can still be taken advantage of without halting its transition process.

The fact that international students choose our University to pursue their professional studies is a source of pride.

Universidad Externado de University welcomes Richard Wichmann. We wish him every success in his academic projects.