Postgraduate Commission
The meeting took place at the Pucón Campus of the University of La Frontera.
The participants began to outline a work plan that in the medium term could influence public policies that address the issue, under the premise that positions the development of science and technology as the basis for the country's development.
“As a group of Vice-Rectors of Research and Postgraduate Studies, we decided to reactivate the Science, Technology and Innovation Commission, since the country's situation requires an opinion based on constructive dialogue aimed at improving the scientific production strategies of each area,” said the Vice-Rector of Research and Postgraduate Studies of the University of La Frontera, Dr. Eduardo Hebel, at the working session that brought together the Vice-Rectors of Research and Postgraduate Studies of the Council of Rectors last Monday, August 31, at the Pucón Campus of UFRO.
The objective of this second meeting of the year - the first was held in July at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile - was to outline a work plan that in the medium term can influence public policies that address the issue and, in addition, to carry out actions so that the Science, Technology and Innovation Commission becomes a permanent consultative body for the rectors.
“Today we begin to define a purpose, a horizon, a strategy for how we will position ourselves in the national arena regarding development in science and technology, and, for the moment, we believe that association, will and joint work are the key,” commented María Teresa Marshall, Executive Director of CRUCH.
Articulation as the central focus of work
The day included a workshop to begin building a strategic planning framework that will lead to a development plan for the commission. Initially, collaboration among the CRUCH universities is essential, as was made clear by the attendees.
Currently, over 901% of the research conducted in Chile is housed in universities belonging to the CRUCH (Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities), more than enough reason to offer a sound opinion on how the future of these institutions, characterized by their high level of scientific productivity, should be guided. “It’s time to show our capabilities; we have the knowledge and experience to clearly develop proposals that continue to highlight the work that defines us,” said the Commission's president, Dr. Joel Saavedra, an academic at the University of Valparaíso.
“The turnout for this second meeting, the willingness to engage in dialogue and reach consensus, demonstrates our interest and desire to be key players in future decision-making,” added Vice-Rector Hebel. “The rectors are also willing to understand that the development of science and technology is fundamental to the country’s progress, and in that sense, we can make a substantial contribution, as there are many relevant voices ready to discuss the issue,” added Marshall.
One of the first commitments the group made was to begin evaluating public policies over a two-year period, to impact them, to become a benchmark, and to be a recognized commission.
Current and called scenario
According to Sergio Bravo, Rector of the University of La Frontera, the rectors of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) are currently focused on funding and governance issues, making this initiative a welcome and welcome development. “I want to make a special appeal: these are the actors who can make significant contributions to improving research, postgraduate studies, and R&D&I. The rectors' agenda is entirely political at the moment; we are preoccupied with funding and governance. Therefore, this group is called upon to take actions that have a far-reaching impact, and I urge them to move forward.”.
The authority also noted that the issue of coordination is gaining increasing importance and will be the foundation of all future endeavors. The educational reform aims to eliminate competition among universities and emphasize the concept of collaboration, making the formation of this commission particularly timely.
“One of the keys to postgraduate studies is having excellent doctoral programs, and for that, it is vital that Chile's major universities partner with us, the regional ones. They will never be world-class if they don't partner with us, and an accredited doctoral program will be the foundation,” commented Rector Bravo, referring to one of the benefits of these future alliances. This is the source of the strong connection, which is also focused on the community, on our society. Currently, the country demands research and collaboration that addresses the needs of the community, generating useful, meaningful innovations that solve problems. “That is why this group has the strength and the willingness to make this a reality, and I reiterate my call for them to continue working on this,” he concluded.
*Source of information and images: University of La Frontera
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