Vice-rectors and research directors of CRUCH universities meet to plan joint work

 The main objective of the meeting was to define the mission and strategic objectives of the Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of the Council of Rectors, considering the current moment of changes in higher education and the scientific and technological development of the country.

With the purpose of analyzing and defining strategic lines for the 'Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of the Council of Rectors', vice-rectors and research directors of the CRUCH universities met on July 14 at the Extension Center of the Catholic University.

In the context of higher education reform and considering the current relevance of science, technology and innovation subjects in the debates and proposals for a policy and new institutional framework, the participants discussed various topics and established agreements for joint work.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Mario Ramos from the University of Bío-Bío gave a presentation on the work of the Commission between the years 2008 – 2014, highlighting the various milestones, achievements and challenges of this group.

Subsequently, working committees were formed to discuss priorities for the future of the country's scientific and technological development. The first agreement reached in this dialogue was to establish the need to maintain an open and permanent space for discussion and exchange among all CRUCH universities, in order to gather both global and specific perspectives, while also promoting increasing collaboration by connecting areas, projects, and laboratories across various universities.

Main advances

The group resolved to move forward through a strategic planning process, define operating regulations, and design guidelines for greater collaboration among CRUCH universities.

In the area of strategic planning, the definition of the mission of the Council of Rectors was considered, including the sense of synergy among the institutions. On the regulatory front, the importance of a space that builds trust and maintains a regular schedule of meetings to facilitate the exchange of information and the development of stronger ties among the universities was emphasized. Finally, regarding collaboration among universities, topics such as doctoral training, laboratories, and internships, among others, were highlighted.

Within this framework, an Executive Committee for Science, Technology, and Innovation (C+T+I) was established, responsible for maintaining a strategic agenda, convening debates, and holding a dialogue with the rectors of the CRUCH (Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities).

The committee was made up of the following academics: Dr. Joel Saavedra, from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, as president; Dr. Marcelo Oliva, from the University of Antofagasta, as alternate president; and also Dr. María Cecilia Hernández, from the Catholic University of the North; Dr. Sol Serrano, from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile; Dr. Flavio Salazar, from the University of Chile; Dr. Mario Ramos, from the University of Bío-Bío; and Dr. Hans Richter, from the Austral University of Chile.

Among the upcoming activities, the commission agreed to request a meeting with the President of the CNICD (National Council for Innovation for Competitiveness, of the Ministry of Economy), to generate a system for disseminating and exchanging information, and to meet again on August 31 at the University of La Frontera.