Eduardo José Piris Tillner, a scholar of the Carlos Antonio López National Scholarship Programme (BECAL), has achieved outstanding academic success at University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. After completing his Master of Science in Power Systems Engineering, he received two prestigious distinctions: the Best Overall Mark award and the Dean’s List Award, both recognising his exceptional performance.
The Best Overall Mark is specifically granted to the student who achieves the highest overall grade in their entire degree programme, marking Piris Tillner as the top student in his cohort. Furthermore, the Dean’s List Award is an annual honour bestowed upon a select group of final-year students from each programme who have demonstrated superior academic merit.
A testament to national potential
Reflecting on his achievements, Piris Tillner, who graduated as an Electromechanical Engineer from the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Asunción (FIUNA), highlighted the broader significance of the recognition.
“Beyond the academic recognition itself, for me it holds special value because it reaffirms that Paraguayans can excel internationally when we have opportunities and work towards our goals,” Piris Tillner stated, emphasising how his accomplishment can inspire others.
Advanced research with a focus on Paraguay
During his master’s degree at University College London, Piris Tillner conducted crucial research directly relevant to the future of energy systems. His thesis focused on the evaluation of electrical security under N-1 contingencies, a critical industry standard for assessing the resilience of a power grid to the failure of a single major component. His work also explored scenarios involving the integration of solar power and energy storage systems, which allowed him to delve deeply into the modelling of modern electrical networks.
Importantly, his academic work maintained a strong connection to his home country. Throughout his research, he collaborated with and received support from professionals at the National Electricity Administration (ANDE) of Paraguay. This partnership ensured his advanced studies were grounded in the practical realities and strategic needs of Paraguay’s own energy infrastructure, creating a direct bridge between his learning in the UK and its future application back home.
Motivation for a sustainable future
Piris Tillner explained that his decision to pursue an MSc in Power Systems Engineering was driven by a desire to acquire specialised knowledge about the modern energy sector. He was particularly interested in understanding the complex challenges associated with the increasing integration of non-conventional renewable energies into national power grids. His ultimate goal is to implement what he has learned to contribute directly to the ongoing energy development within Paraguay.
Coming from a family with a strong academic tradition at the National University of Asunción, he views the BECAL programme as a vital opportunity. He believes it not only allows individuals to acquire knowledge and tools for personal growth but also serves to strengthen the institutions, companies, and universities across the country. In his final remarks, he offered a message of encouragement to his fellow Paraguayans.
“Paraguay has a great deal of talent and ability; sometimes what is missing is taking advantage of the opportunities we have. For this reason, my message would be to prepare, be persistent and not be afraid to aim high. Often, the limits that one perceives at the beginning end up being smaller than one imagined,” he concluded, urging aspiring students and professionals to pursue their ambitions with confidence and determination.
Also read: The Life Of Star Student Fabrizio Peralta: From Asunción’s La Chacarita To The Ivy League.
