University of Chile's rector, Rosa Devés, has decided not to seek re-election for the 2026-2030 term, sparking an early race for her successor. Sergio Lavandero and Pablo Ruiz-Tagle have formally announced their candidacies, while Alejandra Mizala emerges as a key figure with substantial support. Other names like Raúl Morales and Francisco Martínez are also circulating within the institution.
Rosa Devés's choice not to run for another term has hastened the contest for the University of Chile's rectorship, with announcements that stand out for their earliness. Sergio Lavandero, an academic from the Faculties of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicine, took the first informal step by circulating an internal letter stating: “Estimados y estimada colegas: me dirijo a ustedes para compartir una decisión que he asumido con responsabilidad y convicción: postularme a la rectoría de la Universidad de Chile”. Lavandero had previously run in 2022, when Devés was elected.
Soon after, Pablo Ruiz-Tagle, dean of the Faculty of Law, went public on social media. Backed by 12 directors from his faculty's departments and schools, he wrote: “Los directores de Departamento junto a directores de las escuelas de Pregrado y Postgrado de Derecho han propuesto mi nombre como candidato a rector de la Universidad de Chile. Lo hacen considerando el trabajo que conjuntamente hemos realizado desde 2018 en nuestra facultad. Queremos ser un aporte para recuperar nuestra universidad y llevarla al lugar que le corresponde”. The supporting letter notes concerns over the institution's recent direction and stresses the potential for a public university of excellence serving the country.
Alejandra Mizala, the current prorector and a doctor in Economics, full professor in the Industrial Engineering Department of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, positions herself as a continuity candidate. The only woman in the discussion so far, she has support from a significant group of professors and possibly the Faculty of Medicine, one of the most influential. A digital letter in her favor highlights her experience, integrity, and strategic vision, emphasizing her role in long-term projects undertaken by the university.
Among other potential contenders are Raúl Morales, dean of the Faculty of Sciences, who might pair with Ruiz-Tagle as prorector, and Francisco Martínez, dean of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Dean Miguel O’Ryan appears inclined to back Mizala. The University Council will call elections for May 2026, with the electoral roll published in the third week of March and candidacy registrations in the first ten days of April. Votes are weighted by hours based on professors' hierarchy with at least one year of seniority, such as an assistant professor with 44 hours equating to a full vote.