UCM Consolidates Strengthens University Teaching Research and Boosts Academic Innovation

The Universidad Católica del Maule (UCM) highlights the success of the UCM 21101 project, which has significantly strengthened university teaching research from 2022 to 2024.

The Universidad Católica del Maule (UCM) celebrates the achievements of the UCM 21101 project “Strengthening Research in University Teaching Years 2021-2024”, a key initiative that has marked a before and after in the development of research applied to teaching. This project responds to the challenges identified in the institutional self-evaluation report of 2019 and in the opinion of the National Accreditation Commission (CNA) of 2020, which indicated the need to expand and diversify research efforts in the field of teaching.

UCM’s rector, Dr. Claudio Rojas Miño, highlighted the transformative impact of this project on the university and expressed his satisfaction with the progress achieved. “It was very remarkable what was achieved in university teaching research. I really knew that it was having very good developments, but now when I have had the opportunity to see this, in terms of publications and the diversity of areas in which it has manifested itself, I am really very happy,” said the university authority, stressing the importance of maintaining and enhancing these achievements in the future.

The UCM 21101 project has generated a transversal impact in the different faculties of the university, allowing areas such as Education, Social Sciences, Medicine and Agricultural Sciences, among others, to integrate research in their teaching programs. Thanks to this inclusive approach, today the university has 36 projects awarded, which have involved more than 100 academics and directly benefited more than 500 students, who recognize the methodological innovation implemented in their classes as highly positive.

UCM’s Vice Rector for Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Hernán Maureira Pareja, underlined the fundamental role of the project in the consolidation of a research identity for the university. “It is impressive the impact that the Direction of Research in University Teaching has had, it has meant one of the transversal areas where there are more calls for researchers,” he said. In addition, he stressed the importance of transferring the knowledge generated in research to improve teaching practices. “Transforming research into research that is transformed into improved practices of what one does oneself is the most transformative element and only makes sense when it is transformed,” he emphasized.

After presenting the results, the director of UCM’s Department of University Teaching Research (DIDU), Aquiles Almonacid Fierro, emphasized the value of this initiative for the institution and its students. “Research in teaching is a recent topic for us, we already recognized it in 2019, and since 2021, with the support of the Ministry of Education, we have been able to advance in this strategic line,” said Almonacid, who added that the creation of a research network made up of 23 universities is another great achievement of the project. “This network covers practically the entire south-central part of the country, which reflects the impact and commitment of UCM in strengthening university teaching,” he said.

This advance in research applied to university teaching places UCM at the forefront of higher education in Chile, opening up new opportunities for academic collaboration and pedagogical innovation that will benefit both students and academics throughout the university and beyond.

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