La Universidad Austral It hosted the international forum focused on data-driven institutional development: THE Latin America Data Forum, “Innovating Institutional Performance for an Agile Future”, which brought together prominent leaders of academic institutions in Latin America and international experts.
Throughout the day, which took place on Tuesday, November 12th in the auditorium of IAE At the Business School, a series of panels and a masterclass were held, focusing on the exchange of best practices and the discussion of common challenges related to data management and institutional reporting, assessing their impact on institutional reputation. In addition, leaders from higher education institutions across Latin America shared knowledge and took advantage of networking opportunities.
The rector of the Universidad AustralMr. Julián Rodríguez welcomed those present, along with Virginia Sarría Allende, Vice Dean of IAE Business School, and Phil Baty, Director of Global Affairs at Times Higher Education.
“We are honored to host this event, which brings together brilliant minds from around the world to shape the future of higher education. Together with them, we will address issues relevant to all university activities: the impact of data and how it is managed in relation to institutional strategy will be the most prominent topic. We will also analyze the challenge of digital transformation and the impact of AI on our institutions—realities that fill us with hope for what they can do to improve the quality of our work, but which, at the same time, raise many questions about their effectiveness and the true extent of their impact.”, the rector said at the start of the meeting.
The inaugural lecture, entitled “Reputation Management in a Changing Landscape: Strategies for Higher Education Leaders,” It was presented by Carlos Horacio Torrendell, Secretary of Education of the Nation.
“For me, governing a university today means two things: on the one hand, strongly supporting and guiding the educational community; but, at the same time, using the vast amount of data available to us so that this support is driven by a specific objective. That the data becomes a window into the problems and challenges, allowing us to better support individuals.” Torrendell said.
The first panel, “Aligning institutional priorities with dynamic classification criteria: A holistic approach”It was moderated by Lourdes Perea Muñoz, Vice-Rector of Academic Affairs of the Universidad Austral, and featured leaders from prominent Latin American institutions, including Santiago García Álvarez (Pan-American University, Mexico), Enrique Etchevarren (University of Montevideo), Carlos Greco (National University of San Martín), and José Antonio Guzmán Cruzat (University of the Andes).
Then it was time to talk about “Sustainability in higher education”, with a focus on the “Comparative evaluation of institutions for sustainable development.” The panel was coordinated by María José Murcia, Director of the Center for Sustainability and Social Innovation of the Universidad AustralParticipants included Dora Colindres (Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja), José Goity (Government of the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina), Gabriela Prete (Vista Company), and Sebastián Vicuña (Pontifical Catholic University of Chile). Among other challenges, the exchange highlighted the need to analyze and adapt indicators designed for other sectors to the specific characteristics of the university education sector.
Technology and digital transformation were the focus of the third panel, “Institutional performance report in the era of digital transformation.” Ignacio Juan Núñez, founder of the company Sirius Software, moderated the panel with the participation of Fatima Nunes (University of São Paulo), Neil Hernández-Gress (Tecnológico de Monterrey), and Daniel Alberto Vega (National University of the South).
This event also included a special talk on the role of Latin American universities in building an agile future, moderated by Mónica Marquina, a researcher at the University of Buenos Aires. Participants included Cecilia Paredes Verduga (Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral) and Dawisson Belém-Lopes (Federal University of Minas Gerais).
Cecilia Paredes highlighted the valuable role that universities play in Latin America in the path of social mobility and the limitations of the indicators in making visible the real family and social impact and the boost to communities:We change lives and we don't publicize it. This social transformation needs to be evidenced by indicators.. "
Oscar Mumford, Data Scientist at THE, conducted a master class on the “Latin American University Rankings 2024”, and announced innovations to generate indicators, and even new rankings, in accordance with the current reality of universities and the demands of society.
The event concluded with a panel focused on collaboration between the education and business sectors. “Promoting entrepreneurial mindsets through business collaboration”, moderated by Ana Galiano, Vice-Rector of the campus Rosario of the Universidad AustralAmong the speakers were Martín López Armengol (National University of La Plata), Ana Frattini (University of Campinas) and Enrique Mammarella (National University of the Littoral).
The closing of the day included remarks from Phil Baty, Director of Global Affairs at Times Higher Education; Dawisson Belém-Lopes, from the Federal University of Minas Gerais; Eliana Molina Morales, from the University of Espírito Santo; and the rector of the Universidad Austral, Mg. Julián Rodríguez, who shared reflections on the challenges and opportunities for universities in the region.
“We all have much to learn and also something to teach. May the passion for enriching biographies, that of our students, be what inspires us always, and particularly today.” Julián Rodríguez concluded at the close of the event.
With this participation in THE Latin America Data Forum 2024, the Universidad AustralTogether with the institutions that were present, it reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence, sustainability and innovation in the field of higher education.
