Making grey literature visible: An analysis of undergraduate theses in forestry engineering at the University of Tolima
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Abstract
Formative research in forest sciences at the University of Tolima (Colombia) generates key knowledge for environmental management; however, its classification as gray literature has constrained its visibility and influence within both global academic debates and institutional planning processes. This study analyzed the scholarly output of the Forest Engineering program (2000–2025) through a bibliometric approach applied to undergraduate theses, aiming to provide inputs for institutional strategic planning. A census design was employed, encompassing 147 completed works available in the institutional repository. The methodological framework integrated descriptive statistics, semantic co-occurrence and collaboration network analyses using VOSviewer, as well as spatial cartography to assess the geographic distribution of research. The results reveal production peaks in 2004 and 2015–2016, with a marked predominance of forest ecology and silviculture (68 theses), contrasted by a limited development in geotechnologies. In terms of authorship, women led individual production (31.3%); however, disparities persist in academic supervision, where five researchers account for 36% of the theses and only one woman appears among the most prominent supervisors. Additionally, 66.7% of the works received a meritorious distinction. Spatially, a strong concentration of studies in Tolima is observed, alongside notable gaps in strategic regions such as the Amazon and the Chocó biogeographic region. In conclusion, the program demonstrates a solid foundation in traditional forest science disciplines, yet faces challenges related to thematic and geographic diversification, the democratization of academic networks, and the adoption of contemporary methodological approaches.
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Revista Forestal Mesoamericana Kurú is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 
Al enviar un artículo a la Revista Forestal Mesoamericana kurú (RFMK), los autores ceden los derechos patrimoniales a la editorial de la RFMK una vez su manuscrito haya sido aprobado para publicación, autorizando a la RFMK a editarlo, reproducirlo, distribuirlo, y publicarlo en formato físico y/o electrónico. La titularidad de los derechos morales sobre los trabajos objeto de esta cesión seguirá perteneciendo a los autores.
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