Directors of International Relations meet at the University of Concepción

The meeting addressed academic collaboration with the United Kingdom, international collaboration through CONICYT, and the changes introduced to the Erasmus Plus program.

The International Relations offices of the universities belonging to the Council of Rectors met at the University of Concepción with the purpose of advancing internationalization strategies based on the challenges and opportunities currently presented by the new cooperation guidelines of Europe and the United Kingdom.

Academic collaboration with the United Kingdom was analyzed, specifically the Newton Picarte project, the collaboration provided by the National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT), through its International Cooperation Program, and the changes brought about by the Erasmus Plus program.

The meeting was attended by the Rector of the University of Concepción, Sergio Lavanchy, who highlighted the work of the CRUCH International Relations Committee, the role that the Council has played in these matters, and committed to conveying to the plenary of rectors the contributions that this committee is developing.

María Teresa Marshall, executive director of CRUCH, emphasized how the Council of Rectors constitutes a network that opens opportunities for international collaboration for the development of all current university activities: undergraduate and graduate education, scientific research networks in all areas of knowledge, and debates on higher education policies. She also noted that the Council of Rectors is the benchmark for excellence in higher education before various international development agencies in Chile and abroad, maintaining a constant channel of communication and coordination. In this way, the Council of Rectors plays a key role in promoting international collaboration as a tool for the internationalization of universities, through agreements, seminars, and cooperation networks.

Mariana González, head of research at the Council of Rectors, presented the state of academic collaboration between Chilean and UK universities. Among the main conclusions of her presentation was the growing number of students currently enrolled in UK universities on scholarships – BECAS CHILE – which does not reflect academic priorities or a connection with the Council's member universities. At the same time, an analysis of joint scientific output reveals universities and areas with higher levels of academic activity, thus providing a basis for defining areas of future cooperation.

In this regard, Karl Zammit, Director of Economic Affairs and Climate Change at the British Embassy, presented the Newton Fund project, a £14 million (approximately US$23 million) fund, of which Chile is contributing 50%, which will finance academic mobility programs, research, and joint innovation projects with British institutions. Similarly, Trinidad García, from CONICYT's International Cooperation Program, presented the competitive funding options and international networks.

Thomas Lagathu, regional cooperation attaché for the French Regional Directorate in Latin America, gave a presentation on new avenues of collaboration with European universities. He explained the Erasmus Plus program, which will develop three main areas: individual mobility, cooperation for innovation, and capacity building for higher education. He also presented the scope of the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.

The day ended with a commitment to prepare a proposal of doctoral colleges to present to the United Kingdom, to organize a day with researchers to publicize the Horizon 2020 program and to delve deeper into the areas of interest of each university in order to plan a visit to the United Kingdom in March-April of next year.