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Check out the voice of the Executive Director of the National University Network, REUNA (Chile), and her vision about RedCLARA and collaboration. Read this and other interviews in the book " Name, voice and instrument of collaboration in Latin America”.

What would you say is the most important aspect of research and education networks?
Research networks have an important role not only as excellence digital platforms for the development of science, education and culture in our respective countries, but also as articulators of institutions, communities and people to support research and teaching at both local and international level.

How would you describe the role of RedCLARA both at a regional and global level?
As the network that interconnects, articulates and supports national networks, thus creating synergies for science and education across the region.

What has been the key important aspect of the ALICE2 project for your network?
The strengthening of the space for collaboration across the region and with European peers. This has led, through a joint work of members, to the construction of valuable initiatives which exceed local needs and position Latin America’s work within the global context.

How important for REUNA is the collaboration with other national and regional networks and how do you collaborate globally?
Today science and education are conducted globally, collaboratively and increasingly openly. The relation and support between national networks become fundamental for the establishment links between groups that share interests, resources and problems. In REUNA we are convinced that teamwork leads to better results. This is why the development of skills, management of new projects and articulation of communication actions between networks have been part of our commitment and work throughout the implementation of the ALICE project.

Could you describe your vision of research and academic networks in the future?
Since their beginnings until today, research and academic networks have gained recognition as managers of an exclusive digital infrastructure for the development of science, education and culture in their respective countries. But today, and even more so in the future, they will be an important articulator of communities and research groups in multiple fields of knowledge, especially those which have been growing alongside ICT.

On the other hand, in the countries where no state support if given, and based in our own experience, we believe that networks should lead the construction of the infrastructure required by science in their countries, and they should also propose and implement funding strategies. This is a significant challenge, considering the high cost required by the installation of this type of specific niche infrastructures.

According to your point of view, what should be the role of RedCLARA over the next five years?
RedCLARA must be an articulator of the interests of National Networks, take advantage from its regional position top leverage both its own development and that of its members and, through these members, the development of research and education communities.