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The academic will lead the institution during the period 2026–2030, with the challenge of consolidating institutional advances and strengthening its contribution to the scientific, technological and social development of the country.
In a ceremony held at the Aula Magna Theater of the Valparaíso Central Campus, Dr. Juan Yuz Eissmann was invested as rector of the Federico Santa María Technical University for the period 2026–2030, beginning his second consecutive term at the head of the institution.
The ceremony brought together national and regional authorities, university presidents and rectors from across the country, representatives of the university community, alumni, and guests. The president of the Governing Council, Yessica Cartajena, and the general secretary, María José Contreras, participated and oversaw the main acts of the investiture protocol.
Yuz begins this new stage after obtaining the first majority in the second round of the electoral process and the subsequent decision of the Superior Council that he continue to lead the university until 2030.
The president of the Board of Trustees, Yessica Cartajena, emphasized the responsibility of leveraging the institution's capabilities to address the country's challenges. “This new phase calls upon us to build a shared vision for the university's future. We possess a history, prestige, and capabilities that are the fruit of the work of generations of members of our community. Our responsibility is to project these strengths, with a long-term perspective, to expand the institution's contribution to the country and its international presence,” she stated.
For his part, Rector Juan Yuz emphasized community participation and the horizon opened by the institution's centennial. “I assume this second term with gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility. What we have achieved is the result of the commitment of our community, across all campuses and locations. This new stage invites us to consolidate that work, listen to and better respond to the needs of those who make up the university, and continue building together the institution we want to project toward its centennial,” he stated.
Ceremony with profound institutional significance
During the ceremony, the general secretary read the appointment decree and administered the oath to the rector, giving way to the investiture act, which constitutes his official proclamation and includes the delivery of two historical symbols of the institution.
The president of the Governing Council presented the Rector's Medal, which bears the effigy of Federico Santa María Carrera and part of his will. Subsequently, the general secretary presented the pin representing the institution's official emblem, which the rector wears at public events.
In his speech, Yuz addressed the challenges of the new stage, including strengthening training, research and the connection with the environment, along with the work already started towards the institutional accreditation of 2028 and the centenary of 2031.
“Our aspiration is for the Federico Santa María Technical University to lead the scientific and technological transformation of Latin America. To move toward that goal, we must strengthen the education of our students, support those who generate knowledge, and foster closer collaboration with other institutions, the productive sector, and communities. Science, engineering, and technology play a fundamental role in creating opportunities and responding to the country's challenges,” he stated.
A career linked to the university
Juan Yuz first assumed the role of rector in 2022. An electronic civil engineer and master's degree holder from USM, as well as a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Newcastle University, he has developed his career at the institution as a student, academic in the Department of Electronics, and university authority.
His second term will extend until 2030, one year before the centenary of the university.
Fountain: USM Communications
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