The University of Santiago de Chile (Usach) is one of only four national institutions selected to lead the 'Usach Futuro 2050' Frontier Plan. This initiative strengthens the university's leadership in public science and its long-term commitment to sustainable development and innovation across Chile.
In a highly competitive selection process, the FIU Frontera Stage 2 call for proposals awarded funding to only four of the 14 accredited research universities that applied. The successful institutions—University of Talca, University of Chile, Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, and University of Santiago de Chile—will now lead long-term strategic plans to strengthen the country's scientific and innovation infrastructure.
According to Acting Rector Dr. Cristián Muñoz Canales, this achievement aligns perfectly with the Institutional Strategic Plan. It reinforces the University of Santiago’s role in quality assurance and institutional accreditation, highlighting its leadership in national and international research coordination.
By mobilizing a multidisciplinary team of 160+ academics, the University of Santiago has designed its most ambitious research strategy to date. During the initial stage of the FIU Frontera competition, Usach pinpointed 22 key areas for improvement (R&D&I gaps). This evidence-based approach ensures that the 'Usach Futuro 2050' plan is perfectly positioned to address the country’s environmental and economic needs through public science.
Dr. Pablo Donoso, Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Creation at Usach, emphasized the importance of this milestone: 'This result reflects our university’s potential to lead cutting-edge research that directly impacts the major challenges facing Chile. It is a testament to our academic community’s dedication to public, relevant, and transformative science.'
Strategic Areas
The Usach Futuro 2050 framework organizes its scientific potential into three strategic domains: Healthy Society (agri-food and health), Competitive and Sustainable Society (energy and productive transition), and Smart and Resilient Society (social change and technology). This interdisciplinary structure has yielded nine Strategic Frontier R&D&I Projects. These initiatives were subjected to international peer review and institutional validation, ensuring they meet the highest global standards for knowledge generation and social impact.
"The strength of this proposal is its technical soundness combined with a truly collaborative institutional process,” said Dr. Donoso. By aligning the capabilities of all academic units through a highly participatory effort, Usach has established a common vision for the future that stands as a primary achievement of the Frontier Plan.
University at the Forefront
Beyond research, the plan invests in the future of the University of Santiago. It focuses on upgrading scientific infrastructure, training experts, and improving technology transfer. A coordinated team, including the Rector’s Office and an Executive Council with members from all nine faculties, will lead this project to ensure every part of the university grows together.
Usach is aligning its 2025–2030 Development Plan with Chile’s national goals for Science and Innovation. The objective is clear: increase high-tech productivity and build stronger international collaboration networks. By linking with public and private sectors, the university will ensure its research leads to sustainable national development.
Rather than an achieved goal, this funding award is the beginning of a new stage for our University. “It challenges us to raise our standards, consolidate a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, and position Usach as a frontier university, with science that transforms realities,” concludes Vice-Rector Dr. Pablo Donoso. This vision underscores the university's commitment to advancing from a traditional research institution into a global leader in high-impact public science..