Report on Research and Academic Output, 2014–2020

Report on Research and Academic Output 2014–2020 3 MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-RECTOR We are pleased to present in this compilation our university’s academic output for the period 2014–2020. This output is the result of a comprehensive program to promote scientific research, which has included the development of doctoral programs for faculty and the creation of research groups, along with the resulting hiring and investments in equipment, materials, and literature. Research is part of the university’s mission, and its role at the university goes beyond the generation of new knowledge. It promotes critical analysis, creativity, methodological rigor, the effective management of existing knowledge, and, often, a connection to the social and productive environment. Some co-authors of the items compiled here were students at the time of their production. Student participation, which occurs in many groups at our institution and characterizes its dynamism, is an important indicator of the integration of the research mission with our primary mission. We also highlight the significant proportion of works that demonstrate international and inter-institutional collaboration, fundamental elements for any development strategy for our country. Many of these works originated from relationships with industries, companies, and organizations that presented their problems; others, from the curiosity, capabilities, and development of lines of research determined by the researchers themselves. In all cases, each item in this compilation represents many hours of work, effort, and the intelligent application of resources. The university wishes to give special recognition to the contribution of its faculty researchers, technical staff, and students who have participated in each of the items listed in this publication. Without their dedication and intelligence, these results would not have been possible. Julio Fernández, MSc