University of the Andes - ERA 2048: A Journey Towards the Future of University Education

In a world where education and research face unprecedented challenges, Diana Carolina Contreras and Antonio Moreno, two key figures in the communications team of the Vice Presidency of Research and Creation at Universidad de los Andes, are part of an initiative that seeks to rethink the future of the university. ERA 2048 is not just an institutional project; it is a vision of how education can transform itself to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

What is ERA 2048?

ERA 2048 is a long-term initiative that seeks to envision and shape what university education will look like in the year 2048, when Universidad de los Andes celebrates its 100th anniversary. It is not just about making projections for the future but about acting today to ensure that the university remains a leader in education, research, and social impact, representing a global south perspective.

The project is designed to unfold over several years, involving the entire university community in a series of activities, reflections, and collaborations. From interdisciplinary research projects to public engagement events, ERA 2048 aims to create a space where ideas can flourish and where the university can deepen its connection with society.

Why is ERA 2048 Relevant to Our Community?

ERA 2048 builds on Uniandes' rich legacy of innovation and social commitment. For decades, the university has been a leader in addressing Colombia’s most pressing challenges, from inequality to environmental sustainability. Initiatives like the Interdisciplinary Center for Development Studies and the Sustainable Development Goals Center (CODS) for LATAM and the Caribbean have demonstrated the power of collaboration across disciplines and sectors. ERA 2048 takes this tradition to the next level, fostering even more ambitious and inclusive projects that address global challenges while remaining rooted in local and global south realities.

One of the key pillars of ERA 2048 is interdisciplinarity. While Uniandes has long been a pioneer in breaking down silos between disciplines, this initiative seeks to deepen and expand these efforts. "Problems aren’t divided into disciplines," explains Antonio Moreno, part of the ERA 2048 team:

"To tackle challenges like climate change or inequality, we need approaches that integrate different areas of knowledge. ERA 2048 is about fostering collaboration across fields, making research a collective effort that addresses real-world complexities."

Antonio Moreno

A central component of ERA 2048 are the Connected Experiences, events designed to showcase interdisciplinary projects with tangible social impact. These activities bring together researchers, students, and professors to present initiatives that bridge different areas of knowledge. For example, in 2025, a documentary about a scientific discovery in Colombia’s Tatacoa Desert, involving a local farmer, will be presented. "We want research to feel closer to society, to show how it can transform lives," says Diana Carolina Contreras, another key figure in the initiative.
 

Student at ERA 2048, in 2024

ERA 2048 also includes challenges posed to the university community, focusing on themes like sustainability, democracy, and new technologies. These challenges encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving, both within and beyond the university. Additionally, the project promotes collaboration with national and international partners, from rural communities in Colombia to leading global institutions.

While Uniandes has always been deeply connected to the needs of Colombian society, ERA 2048 represents an opportunity to deepen and expand these connections: "We want to bring the university closer to the world, and the world closer to the university," Diana explains. "This means not only sharing our research with society but also listening to and learning from the diverse voices that make up our country."

For instance, through different initiatives, the university has worked to bring its knowledge and resources to communities across Colombia. ERA 2048 builds on this foundation, emphasizing the co-creation of solutions with diverse stakeholders. Whether it’s a farmer in the Tatacoa Desert or a policymaker in Bogotá, the initiative seeks to ensure that everyone feels part of the process.

ERA 2048 is more than a project; it is a call to action. It invites everyone—students, professors, researchers, farmers, policymakers, national and international allies—to join in building a future where education, research, and innovation are pillars of a fairer, more connected, and more humane world. By bringing a vision from the Global South, Universidad de los Andes contributes with locally rooted yet globally relevant insights, fostering inclusive solutions that address shared global challenges.

As Antonio puts it, "The future isn’t something that just happens to us; it’s something we create. At Uniandes, we’re determined to be active participants in that creation. ERA 2048 is just the beginning of a journey that will lead us to rethink not only education but also our role in society."

Diana adds, "We want everyone to feel part of this process. Research isn’t something distant; it’s all around us—in the technology we use, the policies that govern us, and the solutions that improve our quality of life. Through ERA 2048, we aim to show that research is a powerful tool to transform lives, and that together, we can build a better future."