On the occasion, the members of the corporation had the opportunity to share experiences at the University of La Serena, the Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo headquarters, and the AURA Observatory.

Within the framework of the activities to commemorate the 20 years of existence of the National University Network (REUNA), the National Assembly of this corporation was held at the University of La Serena, which meets outside Santiago once a year. On this occasion, the president of the REUNA Board of Directors, José Palacios, pointed out that the objective of developing this type of activities outside the capital is for the members to fully join the program of activities defined for the day, in addition to learning about the progress made by the institutions that are members of REUNA. ''This is an instance for partners to share experiences and jointly establish future actions, in favor of strengthening advanced digital connectivity for science and education in Chile; a key element for the development of institutions that today work in networks,'' Palacios emphasized.

In this context, the National University Network sees it as a great opportunity for the assembly to be held at least once a year outside of Santiago, since it allows the integration of all the institutions of the corporation to be promoted, regardless of the geographical area in which it is located. they find. Likewise, it is an occasion for the host institution to share its achievements and challenges with its peers.

At the reception organized at the University of La Serena, the academic vice-rector of the House of Higher Studies, Dr. Jorge Catalán, representing the Rector, Dr. Nibaldo Avilés, emphasized that ''for us it is of utmost importance to be part of this Network of institutions, since we are aware that inter-university collaboration is essential to achieve the advances expected in the field of science, education and culture,'' he explained.

Regarding the activities to commemorate the 20 years of REUNA, its president commented that “this is a year in which REUNA moves to a state of greater development, with a rather quantum leap, with achievements in several senses; one in the network infrastructure that it represents, the arrival of universities that did not initially participate in REUNA (...) and the incorporation of institutions that are dedicated to the development of science, such as astronomical centers (...), in this sense we are very happy having achieved these achievements,” Palacios pointed out. 

The director added that "thanks to this visit to the Fourth Region we realized how developed the University of La Serena is and we were able to get in touch with its professors and students."

Program Activities

The Network, made up of 30 institutions, including universities, research centers and astronomical groups, participated in different activities during its visit to the cities of La Serena and Coquimbo. This is how its representatives learned about the Guayacán Campus of the Universidad Católica del Norte and the Andrés Bello and Ignacio Domeyko Campuses of the University of La Serena, where they visited the Irma Salas Central Library and the laboratories of the Kinesiology and Dentistry careers, spaces where They interacted with students and academics from both careers, who were able to show the technological advances implemented for these ULS undergraduate programs.

Likewise, they visited the AURA facilities in La Serena and Cerro Tololo, located in the commune of Vicuña, where they took a guided tour of the Observatory facilities.

GATHER

REUNA is a corporation made up of universities, research centers of excellence and international astronomical groups. The National University Network provides the country with a leading digital platform that articulates, connects and promotes collaboration between the entities of the national science, education and culture system, and inserts them into the world through innovative services.