In his annual statement, the highest authority of our University, Sergio Bravo, led us through the work done in research, postgraduate affairs and innovation.

In a process that started more than a decade ago, the Universidad de La Frontera has been focusing its efforts on the transformation into a complex institution of prestige and with relevant indicators. Looking back on the last year, the highest authority of this institution led us through the work done in the fields of research, postgraduate affairs and innovation.

How does the UFRO position itself in the Rectors´ Council compared to other universities?
In November 2017, the Chilean University Quality Ranking positioned us as a University of Research and Doctoral Programs, a qualitative leap in our management that results from the efforts and talent we have put into our work to make this happen. At the same time, the international accreditation of two of our Doctoral Programs converts us into the only university with this distinction, what also leads to being recognized and privileged.

Which direction is the UFRO going to take from now on?
Our pillar is the undergraduate training and we constantly care about quality, outreach and community engagement, the work we do in science, the training of advanced human capital and the creation of useful and transferable knowledge. All this would not be possible without the efforts of great people who are working with us, and not only in the fields of research and postgraduate affairs, but also in the field of innovation we move forward with a regional view. We think about the people, because our knowledge has to be dedicated to the community and the solutions we find in our expertise that characterizes us need to have a positive impact on the region and the country.

At the same time, another task is to think about how to strengthen the postgraduate area. The training of advanced human capital is one of our highest distinctions and our offer underlines that.

What is going to happen next? How can we stay in this scenery?
We cannot stop. Chile is a very competitive country, especially at the level of higher education and it is time to think about which direction we want to take, which will be our strategic plan in order to keep growing and open new spaces for development.

Is there anything the Institution has to consider?
The just mentioned goes hand in hand with inter- and multidisciplinarity, two work modes that are currently fundamental. From this point of view, the opportunities for alliances, new ideas and the creation of innovative knowledge permit the improvement and solution of problems in a transversal manner.

The topic outreach and community engagement is something that will distinguish the universities in the short term. We have to be actively engaged with the community, approach the citizens, listen to their demands and provide solutions. It is about innovation at the service of people and the UFRO is totally aligned with the national and international tendencies.

What distinguishes us in the national scene of science?
Without a doubt: it is research and the D&R&I. This is what distinguishes us and we have to concentrate on the spaces where we can keep growing. And therefore, we cannot be an island, the key to success is that the researchers, postgraduate students and academic staff work together and that together we can maintain and envision the future from what we are today: a regional University of excellence and recognized prestige.

Today, 450 WoS publications of 2017, 119 ongoing and 40 approved Fondecyt projects, as well as 49 innovation projects we will start in 2018, convert us into the best University in our Region and one of the 10 best universities in Chile.