Investigation Commission
“The mandate of the CRUCH is clear: we must align our actions with the Council’s strategic objectives, coordinate our capabilities with the STI ecosystem, and ensure the active participation of all universities in technical and strategic decision-making,” he stated. María José Gallardo, president of the Commission and vice-rector of Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Atacama.
The Research Advisory Commission of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) defined the priorities of its 2025–2026 work plan in its first plenary session of the year, held on April 24 and 25 at the Catholic University of the North (Coquimbo campus) and the University of La Serena, respectively.
“The Commission is focused on generating concrete results, with high public and technical value and in accordance with the CRUCH Strategic Management System,” he stated María José Gallardo, president of the Commission and vice-rector of Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Atacama.
The rector of the Federico Santa María Technical University (USM) also participated in the plenary session., Juan Yuz, in charge of the Commission, who presented the guidelines of CRUCH Strategic Plan 2030. “One of the main challenges we face is achieving a better connection between plenary discussions and the technical work of our committees. Research plays a key role in the country's development, and this work plan is a concrete tool to move in that direction,” he stated.
In that regard, Vice-Rector Gallardo pointed out that “the mandate of the CRUCH is clear: we must align our actions with the strategic objectives of the Council, coordinate our capabilities with the CTCI ecosystem and ensure active participation of all universities in technical and strategic decision-making.”.
On the second day, at the University of La Serena, Rector Luperfina Rojas accompanied the vice-rectors.
Lines of work
For the period 2025-2026, the following were defined three strategic lines of action: development of a Common R&D&I Indicators Policy; creation of a national repository of good accountability practices; and strengthening the public visibility of applied research.
The indicators policy seeks to establish a shared framework among all CRUCH universities to measure and evaluate their capabilities and results in research, development, and innovation. The objective is to generate homogeneous and comparable criteria that facilitate institutional decision-making, accountability, and alignment with sectoral public policies.
Regarding the creation of a repository of best practices in accountability, it was agreed to work in coordination with ANID and with the participation of academics and professionals from the system. The purpose is to promote the design of a collaborative platform that brings together successful experiences in the management and accountability of public funds for research. This tool is expected to be operational by the end of 2025 and to contribute to improving efficiency, transparency, and the relationship between universities and funding agencies.
Finally, the knowledge generated in universities will be actively promoted as an engine of economic, social, and territorial development. To this end, strategies will be designed for disseminating results, collaborating with public and private stakeholders, and highlighting the value of applied research as a public good.
The commission president particularly valued the fact that the plenary session took place in the Coquimbo Region, as “it is a sign of decentralization and territorial commitment of the university system. Meeting in the regions allows us to showcase the existing capacities and reaffirms the CRUCH's coordinating role in all territories.”.
The next in-person plenary session will be held in November, organized by the Federico Santa María Technical University and the University of Playa Ancha.
Text: CRUCH Communications
Photograph: Courtesy of ULS
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