BUA Institution

Freie Universität Berlin

Research description

I study global actors, methodologies, and metrics in scientific evaluation and knowledge circulation. My research focuses on critiquing current indicators and developing open science tools, such as HERA and SUMARC, to foster a more transparent, equitable, and collaborative global framework for assessing scholarly production.

Where in the world has your career been largely based until now?

La Plata, Argentina

Why Berlin?

The Berlin University Alliance offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with international colleagues and researchers. This experience significantly broadens my usual academic framework, which is largely focused on the Latin American context, providing an excellent gateway to global discussions on open science.

What fascinates you about your research area?

It is easy to observe that the current scientific system—in terms of knowledge production, circulation, funding, and evaluation—is broken and unsustainable. What fascinates me is that the necessary technologies are already available, though scattered, to offer real solutions. However, global consensus remains elusive. I am deeply interested in analyzing the ongoing debates from diverse perspectives, exploring commercial and open-access models while considering specific geopolitical contexts and structural economic asymmetries.

How will your research change the world?

Our proposal aims for an open scientific evaluation system that brings indicators from multiple diverse spaces to the table. This approach not only ensures a much fairer evaluation process but also exposes the flaws of the current system. Ultimately, this could transform how international collaboration is conducted and how research projects are driven and funded, serving as a solid starting point to change the world.

What major short-term goal are you currently working towards with your research?

My primary short-term goal is to position the HERA platform as an essential tool for global evaluation spaces. To achieve this, we are currently working on incorporating an increasing number of data sources, designing better querying strategies, and developing advanced reporting features that go beyond merely displaying indicators to combine results and generate significant added value.

How did you become interested in your specific topic?

Due to the nature of my work, I gradually drifted into the world of scientific circulation and evaluation. Without even realizing it, I woke up one day to the stark realization that the current system was completely unviable, but also that we possessed great ideas to collaborate on a global scale. And that is exactly how I got to where I am today.

What is your preferred way to communicate your research to the broader public or other specific sectors beyond academia? Where can we see, hear or read you next?

I think videos explaining my research are a good communication method. You may find me on YouTube.

What did you want to be when you grow up?

An architect, then veterinarian, then doctor. Now, an astrophysicist, doctor (yes, still), then continue in computer science.

How does the academic culture in Berlin differ from the academic culture you are used to?

In Berlin, and across much of Europe, researchers operate within a framework of job security, a guaranteed minimum budget, and the reliable prospect of applying for further funding. Often, projects simply do not move forward without that financial backing. Additionally, there is a strong cultural tendency to design projects collaboratively right from the start, actively involving researchers from other institutions from day one.

In contrast, in my home region, research projects often start with no budget at all—what we locally call working "a pulmón" (by sheer willpower and personal effort). Researchers frequently work for free for years, hoping that a project might eventually achieve good results and secure some funding to sustain itself. It is usually only at that later stage, once the project is up and running, that we begin to think about collaboration with other institutions.

Has Berlin had any surprises in store for you?

I was deeply struck by how remarkably quiet the city is, despite its massive size, large population, and heavy traffic. On a cultural level, it also surprised me to see how extremely structured people are in their daily interactions. In many cases, they maintain a much greater personal distance than what I am naturally accustomed to back in Latin America.

What would your advice be for colleagues at home interested in a research stay in Berlin?

First, I would highly recommend thoroughly studying the public transportation system before arriving. It is incredibly efficient and useful, providing a level of connectivity and reliability that we are simply not accustomed to back home.

Second, do try to learn at least some of the local language. Although everyone speaks English within the academic environment, you will find that many people on the street hardly speak it at all, which can make daily communication quite complex. Furthermore, a lot of essential public information is exclusively in German—such as loudspeaker announcements at train stations or signs in local shops—and not knowing the basics can occasionally become a real problem.