Investigation Commission
In the recent plenary session of the commission, the vice-rectors of research from the universities of the Council of Rectors and Rectors proposed alternatives for the design and implementation of the fund to the Undersecretary of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, Carolina Gainza, who was present at the meeting.
For two days, the members of the Research Commission of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) met in their second plenary session to evaluate the progress of the collaborative work with the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation (CTCI), as well as to analyze design and implementation alternatives for the new structural fund for research and development (R&D).
Given that this fund will begin its pilot phase in 2024, the Research Commission, as well as other CRUCH bodies, are working with the Ministry to define criteria and implementation strategies.
It's worth recalling that President Gabriel Boric announced this fund during his State of the Nation address last June, stating that the R&D budget would be doubled to "accelerate progress toward science and technology developed in Chile, in every region of the country." As he explained at the time, implementation would follow two paths: through regional universities throughout Chile, and through "those universities that are currently pushing the boundaries of what's possible and bringing us closer to the future.".
The meeting, held on August 31 and September 1 at the Catholic University of the North in Antofagasta, also reviewed the progress of the three working groups with the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Communication (CTCI): measuring excellence, including social sciences, arts, and humanities; funding and management; and collaborative research and centers of excellence. This joint effort seeks to strengthen national and regional ecosystems by establishing a strategic focus with territorial relevance and a transdisciplinary approach that addresses the specific characteristics of each university.
Development of the meeting
The first day featured the participation of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation (CTCI), Carolina Gainza, and members of her team, who presented on the progress made in conjunction with the working groups established by the commission. On this occasion, university representatives raised concerns that have arisen within their institutions, with an emphasis on the development of cutting-edge research and how knowledge generation can contribute to various sectors of society.
Subsequently, Andrea Rodríguez, Vice-Rector for Research and Development at the University of Concepción, presented the main aspects of the National Plan for Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation. A discussion followed, during which attendees expressed their universities' interest in actively participating in the plan.
On the second day, the president of the commission, the Vice-Rector of Research of the Pontifical Catholic University, Pedro Bouchon, referred to the aspects related to the financing of the Plan, its effects on the management of research areas in universities and the complexities faced in the development of the activities.
Based on the topics discussed and the debate held in the plenary session, the commission agreed to continue working in coordination with the Undersecretariat of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communication (CTCI). This is in order to maintain an active role in the development of the National CTCI Plan, structural financing policies, and the implementation of the relevant instruments.
Text: CRUCH Communications and CRUCH professional from the commission.
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