In an exercise in transparence, strategic vision and institutional commitment, the rector of the Pontificia Universidad de Valparaíso, Nelson Vásquez, presented his 2025 Public Account before the Academic Senate, with more than 300 professors, researchers and authorities in attendance at our Central Headquarters. In addition, the account was streamed live through YouTube, where it reached a historical peak of 400 connections to follow the message of the University’s authority.
Throughout his speech, rector Nelson Vásquez offered a complete view of the main achievements of the three years of the current administration, framing them within the context of the University’s projection into its centenary in 2028.
Aware of the value of cycles in the Institutional life and under the premise of the Book of Ecclesiastes: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…”, the rector’s presentation accounted for a period marked by sustainable growth, the consolidation of institutional identity, and the launching of new challenges, aligned with the public and catholic vocation of this university.
One of the highlights was the investment in infrastructure and technology. In two decades, this accumulated number reached 254 million dollars, and during 2025 it will surpass 15 thousand million pesos, mainly due to the execution of iconic projects such as the School of Engineering Student Services building, the new lecture room building in the Curauma Campus and the Sports Field. The acquisition of new spaces can also be mentioned, such as the building assigned to the Creative Industries Campus, Casa Italia and Casa Lozada during 2024, in addition to the development of initiatives aimed towards the recovery of university architectural patrimony.
“The projection for 2025 continues this development path, with a focus on preparing the university for its centenary in 2028, combining tradition and innovation, identity and public responsibility”, Vásquez mentioned, underscoring the fact that this investment policy has allowed to consolidate the PUCV’s position as the largest university in the Valparaíso region and one of the top five at the national level.
Academic Innovation
On the other hand, it was noted that the University experienced an expansion of its Academic offer, with 16 new programs aimed to respond to the job market environment and the challenges of knowledge. Among them, Videogames Development and Virtual Reality, Digital Animation, Public Management and Marine Biology.
One of the most relevant milestones was the creation of the first undergraduate program in Canonical Law taught in Chile, thanks to an agreement with the Pontificia Universidad de Salamanca. “This is an event with a profound impact for the Church, that ends 39 years of waiting to have a complete canonical education in Chile”, the rector explained.
Along the same lines, the institution plans the creation of the Government School (EGOG-PUCV), which seeks to professionalize public management and “contribute to a more just and sustainable governance”. This initiative adds to the future creation of the School of Health, which is a strategic decision that stems from a process of institutional maturity, reflective analysis and a commitment with the “university mission of training wholesome professionals at the service of the country and common good”, Vásquez said.
The Public Account also highlighted the growth and internationalization of post-graduate studies with an increase in the awarded scholarships and an outstanding third place at the 2024 ANID National Doctorate.
Another key achievement of this administration has been the sustained policy of strengthening the faculty body. Between 2022 and 2024, the university welcomed 72 new faculty members, and expects to hire 74 more during 2025, covering such diverse disciplines as Basic Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Theology.
Research
The rector pointed to research development as a relevant aspect, and as a “result of the commitment of the academic community, of a solid institutionality and a strategy focused on consolidating a scientific culture of excellence, with local impact and international projection”.
Together, 323 projects are being executed: 82 internal, funded by the Research Department, 223 with national external funding, and 18 international, forming a dynamic, diverse ecosystem, sustained in time.
It must be noted that cutting-edge research will be strengthened with the Interdisciplinary Center in Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Wellbeing, a strategic bet from the university to create innovative solutions in human health. This center will articulate 35 researchers from 11 academic departments.
Territorial Impact and Commitment to the Community
In line with its public vocation, the PUCV has strengthened its relations with the community, establishing strategic partnerships with more than 50 municipalities in the region and the country. These collaborations have given way to projects oriented towards climate action, biotechnology, socioenvironmental education and territorial planning, supporting local development in tangible ways.
“The PUCV has played an essential role in the strengthening of the Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation ecosystem in the Valparaiso region and the central macrozone”, Vásquez indicated, highlighting the participation of the University in the design of the CTI Regional Strategy, fostered by the Regional Government and the Valparaíso Rectors’ Council.
The university authority added that, through various projects, the PUCV “reasserts its commitment with the scientific-technological development of the territory, in order to offer a sustained and strategic contribution to innovation that is real, lasting and pertinent”.
Internationalization
In the last three years, the University has consolidated its international presence with more than 200 active partnerships in 47 countries. This collaboration network has been strengthened with an important increase in mobility: 463 academic trips and 345 students in exchange programs.
“International academic mobility has been an important tool to share the work of the PUCV beyond our borders, enhancing its presence in scientific networks, creating new collaboration opportunities, opening paths for students and future generations” the rector explained.
On the road to the Centenary
With its sights in 2028, the university has initiated a commemorative program that includes infrastructure works, awards and spaces for reflection, highlighting the creation of the Centenary Medal. The rector invited the whole university community to join this challenge with a collaborative spirit: “The centenary of the PUCV is much more than an anniversary, it is an opportunity to renew the foundational pact that calls us to train people, to create knowledge at the service of our nation and to build a university that looks into the challenges of the 21st century with hope and responsibility”, concluded rector Nelson Vásquez.
University community values rector’s account
There were positive reactions in the university community to the account by rector Nelson Vásquez. Academic Vicerector Claudia Mejías elaborated on this, stating that “this space allows us to show each year the hard work each and every member of our community is doing. There is much to be highlighted about the university’s work in terms of teaching, research, community relations and the constant effort that we put into the lifelong training of our students”.
Along the same line, Carolina Astudillo, professor at the School of Food Sciences, added that “for me the word that could represent the total account is tranquility; tranquility in the sense that we are experiencing growth in all aspects of the university”.
Ariana Luttecke, professor at the School of Medical Technology and academic secretary, mentioned that “the rector has offered an extensive account, in which he has highlighted very important milestones that consolidate our university on the path to the centenary. And regarding the event, we see a series of new instruments, technology incorporated to broadcasting, execution and production that have facilitated follow up and participation of the community in this great event”.
Finally, on behalf of the students, Lukas de la Rosa, president of the PUCV Student Federation, said that “this is a very good event. We are very happy to be able to be a part of it and offer our assessment. I think that the account was very solid, and we are grateful for the changes that have been made so far”.
You can review the text of the 2025 Public Account at the following link.
Strategic Communications Department
