The Long Road to Reforming Uruguay’s National Research Evaluation System

The LALICS Network, in collaboration with Cedeplar-UFMG, ABEIN, and the UNESCO Chair at UNU-MERIT, has officially launched the call for the III LALICS Master’s Academy. Scheduled to take place from November 23 to 27, 2026, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, the program focuses on the theme “Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Double Transition: Opportunities and Challenges for Latin America and the Caribbean”. The primary objective of the Academy is to strengthen the theoretical, methodological, and empirical capabilities of master’s students as they develop their thesis research. By fostering regional capacities, the initiative seeks to promote the construction of public policy agendas and research projects that are committed to social inclusion and environmental sustainability. A notable feature of this year’s edition is a special session organized by the UNESCO Chair on “STI Policies for Sustainable Development in Latin America” at UNU-MERIT, which will focus on “Innovation, Development, and Natural Resources”. Students are encouraged to submit detailed abstracts of their thesis projects that address critical topics, including: Critical minerals essential for the green and digital transition.Structural change and industries based on natural resources. Innovation capabilities and global value chains within resource sectors. Digitalization in agriculture. Socio-environmental challenges in mining. Labor and occupations within green sectors. Accepted students will be announced on July 13, 2026, and the program will offer support for travel and accommodation expenses. This Academy represents a vital opportunity for emerging scholars to engage with high-level academic discussions and contribute to the evolution of innovation studies in the region.