"The university values knowledge production as a contribution to the quality of its educational work and to a better understanding of the country's problems. We aim to produce high-quality research, ensure that research groups focus on issues and topics relevant to the community, and maintain a connection with teaching activities," he said.
The vice-rector stated that Universidad ORT Uruguay technology-based entrepreneurship as a form of outreach and contribution to the community.
In order to conduct research, investment is required—both in the compensation of researchers and their assistants, as well as in equipment, supplies, scientific information, and mobility.
Research involves spending money in order to generate knowledge. The more you invest, the greater the chances of producing more and better knowledge; there are no secrets.
An important aspect of research funding is its distribution over time and its regularity, not just the total amount, he explained. Research—and especially the development of research capacity—are long-term endeavors with uncertain outcomes that require a stable commitment over extended periods.
It takes about 10 years after completing an undergraduate degree to become a “productive and independent researcher.”
The vice-chancellor explained that over the past decade, the university has significantly expanded and diversified its research output.
In addition, there was a significant increase in the number of faculty members with advanced degrees, the graduation of the first doctoral students from the university’s first Doctor of Education program, the participation of many faculty members in Pedeciba programs as master’s or doctoral-level advisors, the conduct of experimental research in laboratories, and the publication of scientific journals by the university itself.
Every college or department has groups or individuals engaged in research.
He also noted that through international collaboration, the university aims to generate knowledge that is relevant to the local context and to strengthen and complement the local research community. “We don’t have researchers ‘attached’ to international groups; rather, a significant proportion of our co-publications are led by researchers affiliated with our university,” he said.
What characterizes universities “is that they combine education with research, but their central mission is always the education of people. New knowledge is produced above all as part of that educational mission,” he concluded.