History

 

Ever since its genesis, Universidad Austral de Chile has stated research as being one of the main priorities inside Corporation policies (rules, decrees, resolutions). Research was initially propelled as iniciative of professors themselves; later in 1976 this activity was institutionalized by the creation of a Research Direction depending from the Academic Vicerectory [1].

The foundation basis of UACh was oriented towards forming human resources in silvoagropecuarian sciences, and later in medicine; which when added to the regional context of its insertion, would enhance the biological area.

The “Sel-fininacing University Policy” [2], introduced by the national government in 1980, brings together a transformation in the internal structures of UACh aimed at obtaining support for its activities. The instutional answer to this new demand became evident in September 1981; date in which the Research Direction merged with the Devlopment Direction; giving birth to the Research and Development Direction [3] (RDD).
Though funds given by the Corporation to the Research and Development Direction were scarce, the University showed a steady growth concerning resources gathering through nationally and internationally funded projects. Thus, the University ranked among the three first positions concerning external training funds gathering between 1987 and 1988, hence increasing the total amount of resources obtained for investigation since 1988.

The Regulation of Academic Career has been one of the main mechanisms for encouraging excellence in research, as it assesses academics based on their scientific production, translated by the Central Board of Promotions into number of projects and publications in important journals. To rank high in the Academic Career, together with their docent activity, academics must show relevant participation in scientific research. Academic hierarchy is rigurous and based on a high recognition of scientific production.

Since its fundation, the University has encouraged the academic staff to go into training to opt to Master and Doctor Degrees. As a consequence, there are different post-degree programs acredited by CONOCYT, which on its turn permits to count on an important potential to carry out good academic level research activities.

[1] Decree Nº 056, June 1976.
[2] Sel-fininacing University Policy LD Nº 3541 from 1980
[3] Decree Nº 353, September 1981.