News
At the close of his first term (2022–2026), the rector highlighted the five-year accreditation, the strengthening of academic and scientific programs, and greater community engagement. The event included an important announcement for the Faculty of Medicine and recognition of members of the university community for their 25 years of service.
The University of Atacama celebrated its 45th anniversary with the 2025–2026 Public Account by Rector Forlin Aguilera Olivares, who presented the main results of four years of transformations that demonstrate the institutional growth and maturity achieved.
The ceremony, held this Wednesday, October 21st, in the Copiapó Municipal Council Chamber, brought together regional authorities, representatives of public agencies, and the university community. During the event, the Regional Government of Atacama, represented by Alejandro Escudero Gallardo, presented the University with an award recognizing its 45 years of history, which was accepted by the Rector.
One of the central milestones was the institutional accreditation for five years, at an advanced level and in the five dimensions evaluated by the National Accreditation Commission (CNA), a result that surpasses the four years of the previous process.
“Four years ago, we assumed the responsibility of leading an institution with a rich history. Today, that history continues with new capabilities, lessons learned, and also with pending tasks that we must face with seriousness, responsibility, and a sense of public duty,” the rector stated.
Five dimensions and their transformations
The 2022–2026 report highlighted progress in the five areas of university activity:
Teaching: Undergraduate enrollment grew from 7,603 students in 2022 to 8,091 in 2026. UDA incorporated new pedagogies and the Bachelor of Science degree, and projects 11 new professional careers by 2029, along with the updating of the 100% of its study plans.
Research and innovation: Scientific output exceeded 300 indexed publications in 2025, and since 2023, the University has been awarded more than 50 projects totaling over 1,442,220,000 pesos. The Territorial University Research Fund (FIUT) stands out, with over 1,441,600,000 pesos allocated to strengthen scientific capabilities and address the challenges of the nine municipalities in Atacama.
Community Engagement: Activities increased from 131 in 2022 to more than 1,100 in 2025, benefiting over 25,000 people. Key achievements include the University of Atacama's (UDA) leadership, alongside the Regional Government, in updating the Atacama Regional Development Strategy 2024–2034.
Institutional management: The implementation of the new Statutes, the tri-partite participation of university staff, faculty, and staff, and the diversification of income streams strengthened university management. Net financial results increased from over 1.4 trillion pesos in 2021 to over 1.4 trillion pesos in 2025.
Quality Assurance: The 100% of careers and programs subject to mandatory accreditation increased their years of accreditation and the processes certified under the ISO 9001:2015 standard went from 27 to 35 between 2024 and 2025.
New Medicine building: Rector announces start of bidding process
Among the announcements in the Public Accounts report, the rector informed that The bidding process for the construction of the new Faculty of Medicine building has already begun., a project that involves an investment exceeding $30 billion and 6,473 square meters aimed at strengthening training, research and clinical simulation.
He also announced the upcoming implementation of temporary modular infrastructure to ensure the continuity of academic activities during the construction work.
Recognition for 25 years of university career
One of the most significant moments of the ceremony was the tribute to Eight members of the university community who completed 25 years of service, highlighting their commitment and contribution to the development of the institution.
As is tradition on UDA anniversaries, the rector presented awards to Juan Gómez Astorga, dean of the Faculty of Technology; Alicia Campos Cisternas, Director of Administration and Finance; Rodrigo Guaita Díaz, academic in Physical Education; and Juan Lobos Madrigal, academic and deputy director of the Department of Energy Technologies.
They were also honored Heber Zurita Medina, professional in University Comptroller's Office and union leader; Oscar Puelles Meriño, official of the Department of Information and Communications Technologies; Vladimir Riffo Bouffanais, academic in Computer Engineering and Computer Science; and Ana María Rivera Varas, academic of Metallurgy and director of IDITEC.
The day also included a musical performance by the Obsidiana Ensemble, made up of university students.
Nurture the transformations and keep moving forward
At the conclusion of his assessment, Rector Forlin Aguilera called on the university community to to assess how much the institution has grown and to nurture the transformations achieved, the result of a collective effort that allows us to project new challenges for the period 2026–2030.
“From Atacama and together with its people, we will continue building, growing and forging the future,” he concluded.
Fountain: Communications University of Atacama
Spanish 
English