So far, dives have been carried out in Colombia, Israel and Chile.
The CEDIA Community of Rectors program brought together 29 academic authorities from 17 universities on its fourth immersion trip to Belgium, which had a 13-day itinerary aimed at exploring the academic and research ecosystem of the European country.
On its first day, the delegation visited the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. ARES, a federation of higher education centers, has the mission of coordinating and supporting these institutions in their teaching, research and community service tasks, promoting collaboration while respecting their autonomy.
ARES's activities are structured around several fundamental pillars: academic, research and development, institutional, information, development cooperation and international. These pillars ensure a relevant educational offer, promote joint research, coordinate continuing education and establish standards of academic competencies. During the visit, it was highlighted how ARES works together with various institutions to continually improve the educational offer and promote research, guaranteeing quality training that responds to the needs of the labor market and the community.
In the afternoon, the delegation moved to the Flemish Council for Higher Education (VLUHR) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). They were welcomed by the university's rector, Dr. Jan Danckaert, and Dr. Koen Verlaeckt, Secretary General of VLIR, who presented a detailed overview of the Flemish higher education system. VLUHR includes the five universities of the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) and the 13 universities of applied sciences and arts of the Flemish Council of Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts (VLHORA).
The second day of the program included a visit to the European University Association (EUA), which represents more than 870 universities, and national rectors' conferences in 49 European countries. The EUA plays an essential role in the Bologna Process and in influencing European Union policies related to higher education, research and innovation. EUA members have unique opportunities to share best practices and participate in projects, events and mutual learning activities, influencing European policies and initiatives.
On the third day, the delegation visited the European Cybersecurity Organization (ECSO) and the European Research Council (ERC). ECSO, established in 2016, represents diverse stakeholders in the field of cybersecurity and promotes cooperation between public and private sectors to strengthen Europe's cyber resilience. Its members include large companies, SMEs, startups, research centers, universities, end users and essential service operators.
He subsequently met with the ERC, Europe's leading funding organization for cutting-edge research. The ERC offers grant programs for researchers of any nationality and age, funding projects across Europe. Since its creation in 2007, it has funded more than 16,000 projects and 10,000 researchers, contributing significantly to high-quality research in Europe.
At the beginning of the second week of the program, the delegation visited KU Leuven University, an institution with 600 years of history dedicated to cutting-edge research and education. The university is distinguished by its comprehensive and independent approach, with 15 faculties offering a wide range of degree programmes. KU Leuven follows a strategic plan that includes digitalization and sustainability as priorities, working to consolidate its position as a leader in scientific, educational and social advances.
During the visit, Manuel Desantes Real, professor of Private International Law at the University of Alicante, presented a presentation on innovation in Ecuadorian universities in the cognitive era, highlighting the importance of intellectual property in the academic field. Subsequently, the delegation visited the Ecuadorian Embassy in Brussels, where they discussed the actions carried out from Belgium to promote international cooperation.
The program agenda continued with a visit to the European Students Union (ESU), an organization that brings together 45 National Student Unions from 40 countries. The ESU represents all students in Europe, promoting solidarity within the student movement and operating independently and democratically. Its activities include training and information on higher education policies, organizing seminars and campaigns, and carrying out research and partnership projects.
To close the Community of Rectors program, the delegation visited Ghent University, a top-level institution recognized for its commitment to research and innovation. During the visit, the university authorities presented its vibrant academic community and its notable focus on internationalization. Ghent University, with more than 200 academic programs, is recognized among the top 100 universities in the world, and its mission is to foster a pluralistic and challenging learning environment.
The day at Ghent University concluded with visits to various laboratories, allowing the delegation to observe first-hand the research environment and the technological innovations developed at the institution. The visit underlined the university's commitment to science and global progress, consolidating international collaboration and knowledge exchange between Ecuador and Belgium.
The Community of Rectors is a program that offers the highest authorities immersions that serve as a tool to learn about academic and innovation ecosystems, replicate strategies and generate international connection networks with the best universities in the world. Previous dives were made in Colombia, Israel and Chile.
