News
At the seminar “Scientific Diplomacy: Opening Paths for the Internationalization of Higher Education”, organized by CRUCH and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international experts and university authorities reflected on the fundamental role of science and technology in global cooperation and the internationalization of Chilean universities.
The Secretary General of CRUCH, Angélica Bosch, acknowledged and expressed her gratitude for “the collaborative work we have established with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since the signing of the cooperation agreement in November 2017, which has fostered the internationalization of Chilean Higher Education.” For his part, the Rector in charge of CRUCH's Internationalization Commission, Rodrigo Vidal, emphasized that science and technology in the diplomatic sphere are of «priority.».
To discuss the role of science diplomacy in strengthening international cooperation and developing global solutions through science, technology and innovation, the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREL), through the Division of Science, Energy, Education, Innovation and Astronomy (DECYTI), held the seminar "Science Diplomacy: Opening Paths for the Internationalization of Higher Education", on Friday, November 22.
At the opening of the event, which took place within the framework of the CRUCH's 70th anniversary agenda, the Secretary General of the Secretariat of Foreign Policy of the MINREL, Ambassador Rodrigo Olsen, praised the seminar and highlighted its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "particularly with regard to equal access to quality higher education and the training of professionals with international competencies."“
For her part, the Secretary General of CRUCH, Angélica Bosch, acknowledged and expressed her gratitude for “the collaborative work we have established with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since the signing of the cooperation agreement in November 2017, which has fostered the internationalization of Chilean Higher Education.” In this context, she noted that “we have consolidated a strategic alliance that drives various initiatives, among which I would like to highlight the Minister's recent visit to the Council session, the collaborative work with the Regional Coordination Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and with the Directorate of Energy, Science, Technology and Innovation (DECYTI), which has brought this important seminar to fruition.”.
On the other hand, Bosch referred to the recent strategic definitions of the CRUCH (Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities), which in 2023 established internationalization as one of its development pillars. In this area, three challenges are identified: global collaboration to strengthen public policies through international alliances; the international projection of CRUCH universities; and how the above translates into concrete opportunities for local communities, promoting sustainable development, access to new knowledge, and regional innovation. “The internationalization of higher education is, without a doubt, an engine of territorial development and a pillar for strengthening our local identity from a global perspective,” Bosch concluded.
Regarding the role of universities in science diplomacy, Rodrigo Vidal, rector of the University of Santiago, who is in charge of the CRUCH Internationalization Commission, pointed out that internationalization “is not only an educational tool, but a strategic process that allows us to contribute to the resolution of global problems through science and technology.”
In this regard, he emphasized that science and technology in the diplomatic field are of "priority" and that "we must continue to create fairer and more inclusive cooperation networks between universities, breaking down barriers to mobility and access worldwide, so that our researchers and students can participate in international projects, contributing their vision and positively impacting our global society.".
Science diplomacy is the intersection of the worlds of science and international relations. This intersection recognizes the central and crucial role of science in improving relations between countries, addressing global problems, and strengthening international cooperation.
Scientific diplomacy for international cooperation
The seminar, which was attended by representatives from various diplomatic departments in Chile, multilateral organizations, university communities and members of CRUCH commissions, featured two outstanding presentations: one by Brenda García, Public Relations Coordinator for Cultural Affairs and Education at the United States Consulate in Monterrey and former Director of Internationalization Projects at the University of Monterrey; and the other by Hellmut Lagos, Minister Counselor of the Foreign Service and Director of DECYTI.
García, who has numerous certifications in the area of intercultural skills and international education from North American and European institutions, presented the paper "Internationalization as a determining factor for the success of scientific diplomacy.".
In her view, this area is not sufficiently developed in Latin America and is relevant because, as the expert pointed out, "scientific diplomacy is the bridge that connects the diplomatic and scientific communities, allowing international cooperation in education and science to solve global problems." Therefore, she argued that it is necessary to fund research in this field, professionalize the profiles and requirements for diplomats, and take other necessary actions.
Meanwhile, Lagos, who has served at the Chilean Embassy in Jamaica, as Consul in Rome and alternate representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international organizations in Vienna, spoke about “Scientific Diplomacy and the contribution of universities to Chile’s international projection,” highlighting that it constitutes a strategic tool for Chile’s international projection.
“Through international collaboration in science and technology, universities play a crucial role in creating cooperation networks that drive innovation and sustainable development, as exemplified by the recent agreement with France to create the Binational Center for Artificial Intelligence,” the official stated, adding that international collaboration requires “the mobility of students and professors, and the necessary participation in international networks.”.
Scientific diplomacy, a driving force for development
Following the presentations, a panel discussion was held in which two best practice experiences from CRUCH universities were shared, and the scope and key aspects of science diplomacy were analyzed.
Participants included Brenda García, Hellmut Lagos, and the directors of international relations from the University of O'Higgins (UOH), Carla Gutiérrez, and the Federico Santa María Technical University (UTFSM), Lydia Droegemueller. The moderator was Rosario Díaz, director of international relations at the University of the Andes and acting president of the CRUCH Internationalization Commission.
The UOH's experience focused on scientific cooperation with Japan, regarding which Carla Gutiérrez noted that the government-academia alliance has been fundamental in fostering scientific collaboration between countries. On the other hand, based on the UTFSM's case studies, Lydia Droegemueller emphasized that scientific diplomacy, in addition to strengthening international cooperation in science and technology and enabling the resolution of global problems, also enhances the quality of education.
In general terms, there was agreement that science diplomacy is a crucial driver for the development of innovative solutions, knowledge transfer, and the creation of international collaborative networks.
Workshop for building alliances
That same afternoon, the workshop "Coffee Shop: Building Global Alliances from Science and Academia" took place, bringing together representatives from CRUCH universities, diplomatic personnel, and students from the Andrés Bello Diplomatic Academy of Chile (ACADE). The workshop's objective was to foster dialogue between university internationalization managers and diplomatic actors, promoting the creation of networks that drive international scientific and academic cooperation, strengthening the global standing of Chilean universities and their capacity to address shared global challenges.
During the activity, participants divided into four groups, led by two officials from DECYTI, a representative from the CRUCH General Secretariat, and the international guest, Brenda García. Each group discussed the expectations of the stakeholders, the challenges facing each sector, and ways to build bridges that facilitate greater collaboration.
The participation of diplomats in training proved key, as it allowed them to become familiar with the work carried out by the international relations offices (ORI) of the CRUCH universities.
One of the main conclusions was the need to leverage the existing relationship between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREL) and the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions. Furthermore, it was emphasized that this initiative paves the way for a more aligned strategy focused on international development priorities, both in research and in the comprehensive work of the International Relations Offices (ORI). This joint and aligned effort can contribute to projecting a more consolidated image of Chile as a "country brand" abroad, enhancing its global impact.
Spanish 
English