The Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV) has signed an agreement with the San Dámaso Ecclesiastical University to establish a university chair to be named the “San Dámaso Chair”. The agreement was formalized with the signatures of the rectors of both universities: Mr. Nicolás Álvarez de las Asturias, on behalf of the UESD, and Mr. Daniel Sada, on behalf of the UFV.
Both institutions share common cultural interests and therefore wish to promote and strengthen their relationship. Collaboration and the exchange of experiences and knowledge, as well as the provision of services between the two universities, are of great importance to their social and cultural progress.
The primary objectives of the Chair are to promote educational, outreach, and dissemination activities, as well as teaching, scientific research, and knowledge transfer.
The Chair has three core activities: research, the design and development of training programs, and outreach and knowledge transfer.
With regard to research activities, these involve conducting and sponsoring research projects that foster dialogue among the specific sciences, theology, and philosophy, with the aim of addressing relevant questions. We also seek to foster communities of open-minded inquiry by facilitating transdisciplinary dialogue with theology and philosophy within academic communities.
With regard to training program design and development activities, the goal is to provide training for open-minded teachers (internos y externos) and to offer an programme in the Fundamentals of Christianity.
With regard to outreach and knowledge transfer activities, the aim is to foster transdisciplinary dialogue between theology and the specific sciences and to explore how faith and reason can complement one another and enrich our understanding of the world. In addition, the Chair plans organise , publications, and other outreach activities to disseminate research findings and other initiatives related to the Chair. In this regard, the Chair may organise of social and cultural interest related to the achievement of its objectives.
This Chair is affiliated with the Instituto Razón Abierta at Francisco de Vitoria University, which will provide the necessary resources and facilities to ensure the successful implementation of its programme.
The Instituto Razón Abierta at Francisco de Vitoria University is a center for reflection, study, and the dissemination of research and educational programs. Its approach is based on an open reason, inspired by Benedict XVI, which integrates the specific sciences with theology and philosophy. It seeks to pose fundamental questions and answer them in the service of truth, the person, and the Christian transformation of society.
With the signing of this agreement, the San Dámaso Ecclesiastical University and the Francisco de Vitoria University reinforce their commitment to the advancement of knowledge and dialogue between faith and reason. The San Dámaso Chair, affiliated with the Instituto Razón Abierta, is thus established as a space for reflection and education that will contribute to the advancement of research and teaching in the fields of theology, philosophy, and the sciences.
In the coming months, both universities will announce the Chair’s programme activities, which will include academic meetings, publications, and research projects.
