With the active participation of professors and coordinators from the regional campuses, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Outreach (VIE) launched VIE Conecta, an initiative aimed at recognizing the research capabilities of the regions, listening to their needs, and creating new opportunities for collaboration with the University’s research ecosystem.
Research developed from the regions took center stage during the first VIE Conecta meeting, a virtual event led by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Outreach (VIE) of the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), which brought together professors and coordinators from the regional campuses.
The event, titled “Let’s Connect,” was chaired by Cristian Blanco Tirado, Vice President for Research and Outreach, together with the Directors of Research and Outreach of the Faculties (DIEF). The purpose of this first meeting was to recognize the needs, capabilities, and progress of the regional campuses, as well as to identify opportunities to strengthen their participation in institutional research.
“VIE Conecta was created precisely to bring us closer to our regional campuses, listen to them, and recognize the capabilities that are being developed there. We want these meetings to help us identify their needs, but also to create connections and opportunities so that professors and students can take an increasingly active role in the University’s research activities,” said Cristian Blanco Tirado, Vice President for Research and Outreach.
A Space to Guide, Engage, and Listen
During the meeting, participants explored different institutional opportunities and pathways for strengthening research processes. They learned about the role of the VIE in research, innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, outreach, and collaboration; the priority agendas established under Misión 6.0; and the pathway for institutional recognition of research groups.
The meeting also became an interactive space for listening and collective dialogue, where professors shared their experiences and perspectives based on three guiding questions: Where are we? How do we connect? And what can we contribute?
“These spaces allow us to speak directly with professors, learn about what they are doing, understand what they need, and determine how we can connect more effectively. Their contributions are essential because we want to build this pathway based on the realities and capabilities of the regional campuses, jointly identifying opportunities to strengthen research in the regions,” emphasized Professor Luz Marina Ballesteros, Director of Research and Outreach of the Faculty of Physicochemical Sciences.
This exercise made it possible to identify capabilities that are being consolidated at the regional campuses, as well as needs, barriers, and opportunities for collaboration. Professors positively valued the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen communication and foster greater connections between the regional campuses and the University’s research capabilities and opportunities.
A Pathway That Will Continue Throughout 2026
“Let’s Connect” is the first of three meetings that make up the initial VIE Conecta pathway: connect, strengthen, and participate. The initiative seeks to move from recognizing the capabilities and needs of the regional campuses toward preparing them to access new opportunities and generate greater impact from their respective territories.
The pathway will continue on October 1 with “Let’s Strengthen,” a meeting focused on strengthening the research careers of professors and research groups and preparing them for future opportunities. Subsequently, on November 5, “Let’s Project” will take place, providing an opportunity to discuss the new 2027 Research Strengthening Plan and the possibilities for participation by the regional campuses.
Beyond these initial meetings, VIE Conecta is envisioned as a permanent space for dialogue, support, and collaboration with the regional campuses. It will enable the University to maintain active listening, connect capabilities, and generate new opportunities to strengthen research and its contribution to the regions.
