Commission of Vice-Rectors for Research of the CRUCH will participate in the pre-legislative discussion for the creation of the Ministry of Science and Technology

13/04/2016
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The president of the Commission and Vice-Rector of Research and Advanced Studies of the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, Joel Saavedra, pointed out that 90% of research in Chile is carried out in the universities of the Council of Rectors, for which reason "we consider it very important that our proposals are heard.".

Representatives from the 25 CRUCH universities that make up the Commission of Vice-Rectors for Research agreed on the need to become an authoritative voice on national issues, such as the project to create a Ministry of Science and Technology and the problems of young researchers, in the context of the IV working day they held on Friday, April 8 at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (PUCV).

The president of the Commission and Vice-Rector of Research and Advanced Studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, Joel Saavedra, stated that “the universities of the Council of Rectors conducted the 90% research survey in Chile, which placed us 44th worldwide in the SCImago Country Rankings and 4th in Latin America in terms of scientific output, according to the 2014 study by the Higher Education Information Service (SIES) of the Ministry of Education. Furthermore, Chile leads the region when analyzed relative to population size.” Saavedra added that “based on these figures, we believe it is crucial that our proposals be heard and, in this way, that we actively participate in the pre-legislative discussion of the bill to create a new Ministry of Science and Technology.”.

Therefore, the vice-rectors expressed their intention to actively participate before the committees of the National Congress, prepare reports and contribute to the discussion as a validated advisory body on matters so relevant to the country.

This view was shared by the Secretary General of the Council of Rectors, María Isabel Munita, who expressed CRUCH's desire to foster and open avenues for participation and discussion around these types of projects, which implies conducting a thorough and relevant analysis of the subject matter. In this regard, she stated that "it is essential to recognize the knowledge and experience of the Vice-Rectors for Research on this committee because, without a doubt, that is what is needed to effectively address this particular issue.".

Regarding the current situation of young researchers in Chile, the Commission agreed to develop a proposal with clear policies to address problems such as the resources provided and the difficulties these young people face in entering the workforce and academia after completing their research.

Within the framework of this working session, the Commission decided to work together on issues related to good institutional practices, the importance of ethics committees in matters related to research, and also to develop studies that express the strengths of each institution in areas related to publications and incentives for research.

 

*Prepared by the CRUCH Communications Area based on information sent by PUCV.
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