Building on a long history of partnership, the University of Notre Dame and 鈥� widely recognized as one of the top universities in Latin America 鈥� have announced the expansion of their dual Ph.D. program. Previously available to engineering students, the program now welcomes candidates from all academic disciplines, reflecting the universities鈥� shared vision for international collaboration and promoting academic innovation. This marks the first university-wide dual Ph.D. agreement for both institutions.
The signing ceremony took place at UC Chile's campus in Santiago, Chile, with representatives from both institutions in attendance. Michael Hildreth, Notre Dame鈥檚 associate provost and vice president for graduate studies and dean of the Graduate 91视频, and Jonathan Noble, Notre Dame鈥檚 senior assistant provost for internationalization, joined Dr. Ignacio S谩nchez, president of UC Chile. Representatives from Notre Dame Santiago, Notre Dame鈥檚 office located on UC Chile鈥檚 campus, were also present. The event marked a significant step forward in the growing partnership between the two universities.
鈥淕raduate student exchanges are the foundation of strong research partnerships with institutions like UC Chile,鈥� said Hildreth. 鈥淏y enabling students to spend time in different academic environments, we deepen collaborations and contribute to groundbreaking research that strengthens both institutions while addressing global challenges. The breadth of this new agreement will allow faculty and students from all disciplines to share the process of discovery.鈥�
The dual Ph.D. program allows students to spend time learning in two leading academic institutions, benefiting from diverse research opportunities, faculty mentorship and access to advanced resources. Participants spend at least one year at each institution, culminating in two doctoral degrees 鈥� one from Notre Dame and one from UC Chile 鈥� for a single body of work. This program is unique in that it encompasses all doctoral programs, offering significant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
the importance of this expansion and said, 鈥淭his agreement allows us to deepen collaboration in both training and research 鈥� not only in engineering, but also in humanities, social sciences, literature, theology and philosophy. We are very happy with this partnership and committed to making it thrive by engaging the best professors and Ph.D. students from both institutions.鈥�
Faculty involvement is a cornerstone of the initiative, as the expanded program opens new pathways for academic exchange beyond student mobility. The agreement lays the foundation for a broader faculty exchange program across disciplines, allowing scholars from both institutions to collaborate more deeply. The initiative strengthens institutional ties and enhances the depth of interdisciplinary research across both universities.
The Notre Dame delegation鈥檚 visit also included strategic meetings with UC Chile鈥檚 academic leadership, deans and department chairs to explore further opportunities for collaboration and integration across disciplines. This visit and associated initiatives align with Notre Dame's , which prioritizes deepening academic impact through global partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration and furthering global research initiatives.
鈥淭he partnership between Notre Dame and UC Chile aligns with Notre Dame鈥檚 strategic priorities of advancing global engagement and strengthening the Catholic mission by partnering with premiere global institutions,鈥� said Juan Esteban Montes, director of . 鈥淭his dual Ph.D. program builds a bridge for collaborative research that equips scholars to address critical global challenges with academic excellence and ethical leadership.鈥�
By cultivating these relationships, Notre Dame aims to create a network of enduring academic collaborations that benefit both institutions and address pressing global challenges. These discussions reinforced the commitment to not only enhancing student opportunities but also advancing significant research partnerships at the faculty level.
For more information about this initiative, please contact Notre Dame Santiago Program Manager Felipe Gomez Carol. To learn more about Notre Dame鈥檚 work in Santiago, please visit .听
Originally published by at on Feb. 4.
Contact: Tracy DeStazio, associate director of media relations, 574-631-9958 or tdestazi@nd.edu