Nearly 200 participants from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe attended the successful conclusion of the 2024 edition of TICAL, which took place at the Windsor Barra Hotel in Rio de Janeiro. During the event, technology experts, academic leaders, and representatives from key institutions discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, open science, and cybersecurity on education, research, and healthcare.
The thirteenth edition of the TICAL Conference, under the theme "Connecting Knowledge: AI and Data as Catalysts for Academic and Social Transformation," concluded successfully in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after gathering nearly 200 participants from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. RedCLARA, the BELLA II project, and Brazil's National Education and Research Network (RNP) organized the event, which took place from December 3 to 5. Prominent sponsors driving digital innovation in the region, including NOKIA, Calriz, Ruckus, SheerID, Q13, and the Escola Superior de Redes, also supported the event.
The conference stood out as a meeting point to consolidate alliances, explore innovative solutions, and continue building a shared vision for the digital transformation of the region. In the opening session and during his presentation on the BELLA II Project, Luis Eliécer Cadenas, Executive Director of RedCLARA, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration as a tool to reduce the digital divide and promote economic and social development. "Our strength lies in thinking together and building together. Cooperation allows us to achieve the impossible," he said.
During the meeting, Cadenas also highlighted the potential and impact of BELLA II, implemented by RedCLARA and co-financed by the European Union (EU), which aims to reduce the digital divide, consolidate the regional digital ecosystem, and expand connectivity to drive development projects.
On his part, Nelson Simões, General Director of RNP, emphasized that regional cooperation not only strengthens technological infrastructures but also ensures inclusive opportunities in education and science.
Attendees participated in over 40 conferences, round tables, and interactive sessions throughout the event, sharing success stories and discussing solutions to address the current challenges in educational digitalization and technological sustainability. In particular, the need to create inclusive and accessible infrastructures became one of the central commitments of the leaders present.
Notable international experts led the sessions, such as Dr. Seiji Isotani from the University of São Paulo and Prof. Ulises Cortés from the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, who explored how AI can transform education and science. RNIE, RedCLARA, GÉANT, and allied entities contributed to the discussion of crucial topics like cybersecurity, digital sustainability, and open science.
There were also emotional moments, such as the recognition of Tania Altamirano, the Manager of Academic Relations at RedCLARA, for her leadership in the Latin American University Telemedicine Network (RUTE-AL); the acknowledgment of Thomas Fryer's solid and fruitful career as Head of International Relations at GÉANT; and the invaluable legacy left by Nelson Simes at RNP and RedCLARA, who will conclude his term next year.
Panels highlighting the impact of emerging technologies in areas like personalized education and scientific data management marked the event's closing. Experts underscored the potential of these tools to revolutionize conventional procedures, despite the obstacles of ethical, energy, and technological execution.
Carlos González, RedCLARA's Services Manager, delved into the impact of blockchain on data management and its interaction with AI. He highlighted specific cases, such as the digital certification of academic diplomas and the identification of data in scientific research, underscoring its potential to reduce administrative costs and increase transparency.
González also illustrated how blockchain can be a facilitator for open science by providing mechanisms to trace the origin and use of data in research. Additionally, he explored the role of this technology in the funding of scientific projects, enabling more accurate tracking of outcomes and ensuring efficiency in the use of resources.
TICAL2025 will focus on strengthening public-private partnerships and promoting collaborative projects that amplify the social impact of ICT in Latin America. Costa Rica will host the event.