# University of Information Science

> university

**Wikidata**: [Q1535007](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1535007)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Information_Science)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-of-information-science

## Summary
The University of Information Science (Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas or UCI) is a higher education institution located in Havana, Cuba. Founded in 2002 by Fidel Castro, the university focuses on informatics and computer science education. It is also known for developing Nova, a Cuban state-sponsored Linux distribution that was first released in 2009.

## Key Facts
- **Also Known As**: Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas, 哈瓦那信息技术大学, 哈瓦那信息技術大學
- **Location**: Havana, Cuba (Coordinates: 22.99025, -82.46594444)
- **Founded**: 2002
- **Founder**: Fidel Castro
- **Architect**: Oscar Niemeyer
- **Institution Type**: University
- **Official Website**: http://www.uci.cu/
- **Created**: Nova (Cuban state-sponsored Linux distribution, started in 2009)
- **Affiliated Person**: Maria Lisandra Gonzalez Hurtado (computer scientist, radio personality, teacher, and Esperantist)

## FAQs
### Q: Where is the University of Information Science located?
A: The University of Information Science is located in Havana, Cuba.

### Q: Who founded the University of Information Science?
A: The university was founded by Fidel Castro in the year 2002.

### Q: What is the University of Information Science known for creating?
A: The university is known for developing Nova, a Cuban state-sponsored Linux distribution that was inceptioned in 2009.

## Why It Matters
The University of Information Science plays a significant role in Cuba's technological landscape. As a university dedicated to computer science and informatics, it serves as a primary institution for training IT professionals in the country. Its importance is underscored by its direct association with the Cuban state; it was founded by Fidel Castro and is involved in state-sponsored projects. A key example of its practical impact is the development of Nova, a Linux distribution created to reduce dependency on foreign software and promote technological sovereignty within Cuba. The university's facilities were designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, adding architectural significance to its educational role. Through its academic programs and software development initiatives, the University of Information Science contributes to the development of Cuba's national digital infrastructure and open-source capabilities.

## Notable For
- **Founding Leadership**: The university was founded by Fidel Castro, indicating strong state support and strategic importance.
- **Architectural Design**: Its campus was designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Oscar Niemeyer.
- **Software Development**: The university created "Nova," a Cuban state-sponsored Linux distribution aimed at technological independence.
- **Distinguished Alumni/Affiliates**: It counts Maria Lisandra Gonzalez Hurtado, a noted computer scientist and Esperantist, among its affiliates.

## Body
### History and Foundation
The University of Information Science was established in 2002. The founding initiative came from Fidel Castro. The architectural design of the university is credited to Oscar Niemeyer. The institution began its operations in 2002.

### Location and Facilities
The university is situated in Havana, Cuba. The specific geographic coordinates are latitude 22.99025 and longitude -82.46594444.

### Projects and Contributions
One of the major technical contributions of the university is the creation of "Nova." Nova is a Linux distribution that is sponsored by the Cuban state. The project had its inception in 2009.

### Affiliated Individuals
Maria Lisandra Gonzalez Hurtado is affiliated with the university. She is recognized as a computer scientist, radio personality, teacher, and Esperantist, born on November 19, 1987.

### Identifiers and Online Presence
The university maintains a digital presence through various platforms and identifiers:
- **Website**: http://www.uci.cu/
- **Twitter**: @universidad_uci (Verified)
- **Facebook**: universidad.uci
- **Telegram**: UCI_Cuba
- **ISNI**: 000000040386287X
- **Wikidata**: Linked as "university" with 7 sitelink counts across languages including English, Spanish, German, French, and others.

## References

1. Open ISNI for Organizations
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](http://www.uci.cu/)
5. GRID Release 2016-05-31
6. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
7. [Source](https://twitter.com/universidad_uci/status/1202321058914848768)