The ULL will host the second meeting of rectors of Spanish and Chilean universities in 2026

The Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) and the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) They held a bilateral meeting with the aim of strengthening academic ties and international cooperation between the two countries. This summit, taking place in the University of Santiago, Chile, A collaboration agreement has been signed with the aim of forging a strategic and lasting cooperation between the universities of the two countries.

The meeting between rectors of Spanish and Chilean universities was inaugurated by Eva Alcón, president of CRUE and rector of the Universitat Jaume I; along with the executive vice president of CRUCH and rector of the University of Tarapacá, Emilio Rodríguez; the Minister of Education of Chile, Nicolás Cataldo; the undersecretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, Cristián Cuevas; and the rector of the University of Santiago de Chile, Rodrigo Vidal, the host institution of the meeting.

During her address, the president of CRUE, Eva Alcón, emphasized that this meeting represents a "decisive step in strengthening academic relations between Spain and Chile," underscoring CRUE's commitment to the internationalization of Spanish universities. Alcón also noted that "the relationship between Chile and Spain in higher education is historic, profound, and strategic," since, over the years, "we have consolidated a collaborative model based on academic mobility, research cooperation, and the internationalization of our universities." This meeting, she added, "is the perfect opportunity to reinforce these ties and move forward on the challenges and opportunities we face in 21st-century higher education.".

For his part, the executive vice president of CRUCH, Emilio Rodríguez, highlighted that the meeting is a propitious opportunity to "strengthen a commitment to academic cooperation with a long-term, far-reaching, sustainable vision, based on principles and values that we have in common, both CRUE and CRUCH.".

The ULL, venue for the next meeting

Francisco García, rector of the University of La Laguna, who attended this first meeting in Chile, emphasized the importance of the gathering, which served to review topics such as micro-credentials, exchange programs, and even artificial intelligence. Furthermore, García announced that this academic institution will host the second meeting of rectors from Spanish and Chilean universities in October 2026, coinciding with the Campus América event.

During the two-day sessions, key issues for the future of higher education in both countries were addressed, with the aim of sharing proposals and making progress on the challenges facing higher education. Among the main topics discussed were student and academic mobility, research collaboration, open science, artificial intelligence and ethics, as well as continuing education through microcredentials.

In addition, various strategies have been explored to promote cultural and academic exchange between universities in Spain and Chile, with a focus on consolidating a long-term bilateral cooperation agenda.

The following rectors participated in the working sessions, representing Spanish universities: Francisco García (University of La Laguna), José Luján (University of Murcia), Lluís Serra (University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), Alfonso Méndiz (International University of Catalonia), Julián Garde (University of Castilla-La Mancha), Pedro Fernández Salguero (University of Extremadura), Ángel Ignacio Villaverde (University of Oviedo), José Capilla (Polytechnic University of Valencia), Ramón Gonzalo (Public University of Navarra), Mathieu Kessler (Polytechnic University of Cartagena), Mª Rosario Sáez Yuguero (Catholic University of Ávila), Francisco Oliva (Pablo de Olavide University), Mª Antonia Peña (University of Huelva) and Ricardo Cao (University of A Coruña).

Signing of the agreement and future agenda

The meeting also served to solidify a strategic alliance between CRUE and CRUCH, laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives between Spanish and Chilean universities. The agreement, ratified by CRUE President Eva Alcón and CRUCH Executive Vice President and Rector of the University of Tarapacá, Emilio Rodríguez, includes, among other aspects, strengthening academic and student mobility, cooperation on research projects, and the exchange of best university practices.

In this regard, it is worth noting that during the 2022-2023 academic year, 4,875 Chilean students participated in the Spanish University System (SUE), distributed as follows: 1,453 students in specific international mobility programs and 3,422 enrolled in regular programs. This agreement aims to further boost these figures by promoting joint dual-degree programs, increasing the mobility of both students and academic staff, and fostering greater cooperation on knowledge transfer projects with companies.

The agreement also provides for the regular organization of meetings between university presidents from both countries, fostering ongoing dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of the international academic landscape. The meeting, attended by twenty-three presidents of Spanish universities, seals a firm commitment to developing a robust network of educational cooperation that will benefit the university communities of Spain and Chile.

(Note and photo provided)