The first FIU Usach Workshop: Articulating Capacities in R&D&I, held on Thursday, July 17, saw a strong turnout from the research community at the University of Santiago, Chile. Hosted by the Vice-Rector's Office for Research, Innovation, and Creation, the event successfully brought together academics from diverse faculties and research centers. This initiative created an important interdisciplinary space, fostering the development of collaborative projects aimed at tackling Chile's strategic challenges
A primary goal of the workshop was to detail the internal call for USACH Frontier Strategic R&D&I Projects. This key initiative is part of the Frontier University Research Program (FIU), funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation. The University of Santiago was awarded the program's first stage this year.
This call seeks to advance scientific and technological projects at the forefront of knowledge. Its clear focus is on solving strategic national challenges through collaborative, interdisciplinary, and synergistic approaches.
"These strategic projects are an institutional commitment," said Dr. Alberto Monsalve, Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Creation at Usach. "They ensure our current capabilities evolve into more ambitious, cross-cutting research. This allows us to contribute effectively to the solutions Chile needs."
The Strategic R&D&I Frontier Projects aim to foster and strengthen research and development capabilities in vital areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, health, and sustainability, alongside other key disciplines. These are long-term initiatives, designed to span 10 years, with annual funding of up to 1 billion pesos.
"The University of Santiago has a strong track record in R&D&I. With FIU Frontera, we aim to leverage this expertise for high-impact interdisciplinary collaborations, generating innovative solutions and positioning our institution as a benchmark in advanced research, both nationally and internationally," explained Dr. Monsalve.
Interdisciplinary Work
During the workshop, participants also shared their research areas and experiences across fields like engineering, science, humanities, health, and technology. This fostered connections for developing high-impact strategic projects.
"This workshop was a concrete opportunity for our research capabilities to truly engage with one another," said Dr. Alberto Monsalve. "We want to strengthen interdisciplinary work as a hallmark of our university, connecting diverse knowledge to respond to the great challenges facing our country."
The high turnout and active participation underscored the academic community's keen interest in bolstering collaborative R&D&I with a focus on social impact, an aspect highly valued by university authorities.
"We appreciate the participation of everyone who attended this meeting," said Dr. Monsalve. "Your presence reaffirms that our university is prepared and willing to work collectively, putting scientific and technological capabilities at the service of national development."
This workshop marks the beginning of new opportunities for coordination and joint work, and the entire university community is invited to join the challenges of the FIU Program, and particularly the currently open call for proposals.
For more information on the FIU Program and upcoming activities, please visit the official website of the Vice-Rector's Office for Research, Innovation, and Creation at www.vriic.usach.cl