Personal profile
Research Interests
Across a diverse set of publications, the researcher presents a cohesive, ethics-centered and socially engaged scholarly profile. The core through-line is a commitment to education and inclusion within pedagogy, coupled with critical examination of how institutions integrate teaching, research, and extension to promote social development. Several works apply philosophical and theological perspectives to contemporary issues such as transhumanism, governance and regulation, and the ethical responsibilities toward others, emphasizing hermeneutic and reflective methodologies. Additional emphasis is placed on environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the role of education in fostering responsible citizenship. Collectively, the research argues for integrative educational practices, critical reflection on global challenges (poverty, violence, resource depletion), and the development of policies and curricula that connect pedagogy with social impact, youth leadership, and sustainable development. The methodological core spans documentary reviews, hermeneutic analysis, and qualitative inquiry to interpret texts, policies, and educational practices in context. The anticipated impact lies in guiding educators, policymakers, and religious–philosophical scholars toward more holistic, ethics-informed approaches that address both local classroom realities and broad societal challenges.
Key Topics:
- Education, Pedagogy, Teacher Training & Inclusion
- Research Methods, Measurement, Bibliometrics & Academic Practice
- Governance, Law, Policy, Ethics & Regulation
- Climate, Hazards, Resilience & Urban Sustainability
- Environmental Monitoring, Remote Sensing & Conservation
- Environmental Science, Water, Waste & Circular Economy
- Psychology, Mental Health, Social Well-being & Violence Prevention
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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SDG 13 Climate Action
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Active Strategies and Critical Pedagogy from a Transdisciplinary Approach: A Theoretical Review and Systematization of Experiences
Llerena Izquierdo, J. F. (Col), Gonzalez Rivera, P. L. (Col), Iza Villacis, V. A. (Col), Iñiguez Magallanes, H. F. (Col), Pombo Bermeo, A. S. (Col), Mendez Reyes, J. M. (PI), Massuh Villavicencio, C. M. (Col), Guajala Agila, D. D. (Col), Rodriguez Pucha, I. A. (External), Jose Reyes, A. R. (Col), Panchana Macias, D. E. (Student), Diaz Labanda, J. I. (Student), Balladares Alvarado, G. N. (Student), Ciurliza Solis, A. E. (Student), Espinoza Moran, D. E. (Student), Mejia Giler, M. A. (Student), Díaz Goya, P. M. (Student) & Perez Reyes, P. A. (External)
27/06/25 → …
Project: Research and Development
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Humanism and Artificial Intelligence and their Ethical Foundations as a Basis for a University Training Proposal Focused on Human Dignity
Llerena Izquierdo, J. F. (Col), Lopez Chila, R. D. (Col), Benites Medina, R. M. (Col), Iza Villacis, V. A. (Col), Mendez Reyes, J. M. (PI), Guajala Agila, D. D. (Col), Rodriguez Pucha, I. A. (External), Chavez Gonzalez, M. M. (External), Mejia Giler, M. A. (Student), Díaz Goya, P. M. (Student), Perez Reyes, P. A. (External), Alvear Vera, K. A. (Student), Escobar Palacios, S. E. (Col), Campozano Ortega, E. L. (Student) & Revelo Caicedo, S. O. (Student)
27/06/25 → …
Project: Research and Development
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Continuing Education Program for Teachers in Philosophy, Art, and Literature of the Network of Schools of the Archdiocese of Guayaquil and Others (PROFIREA)
Iza Villacis, V. A. (Col), Rodriguez Gonzalez, R. (Col), Briones Yela, R. J. (PI), Pelaez Freire, J. M. (Col), Rodriguez Ramos, C. A. (Col) & Velez Montesdeoca, E. E. (Col)
8/03/19 → …
Project: Research and Development
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Latin American Critical Pedagogies: A Hermeneutic Study (PEDAGOCRÍTICA)
Iza Villacis, V. A. (Col), Briones Yela, R. J. (Col) & Mendez Reyes, J. M. (PI)
2/06/22 → 2/06/23
Project: Research and Development
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Contemporary Humanisms: An Inquiry from Plurality (HUMANITAS)
Iza Villacis, V. A. (Col), Rodriguez Gonzalez, R. (PI), Briones Yela, R. J. (Col), Pelaez Freire, J. M. (Col), Mendez Reyes, J. M. (PI), Valdez Quintero, D. I. (Student), Saltos Chaglia, A. E. (Student), Garcia Ponce, L. M. (Student), Freire Dominguez, D. A. (Student), Guajala Agila, D. D. (Col), Pabon Guerrero, P. A. (Col), Cevallos Sanchez, A. V. (Student), Cevallos Herrera, D. M. (Student), Rodriguez Pucha, I. A. (Student), Jimbo Medina, K. S. (Student), Morla Vaca, B. M. (Student), Yepez Cadena, V. J. (Student), Lozada Macias, L. E. (Student) & Chavez Gonzalez, M. M. (External)
9/06/21 → 27/06/25
Project: Research and Development
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Producción de contenidos educativos innovadores: crear para aprender significativamente
Iza Villacís, V. & Gutiérrez Quiroz, C. M., 2026, In: European Public and Social Innovation Review. 11Translated title of the contribution :Producing innovative educational content: creating to learn meaningfully Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
La Extensión Universitaria y el rol del docente en los procesos sustantivos integrados: un análisis imprescindible
Caicedo-Quiroz, R., Villacis, V. I. & Gutiérrez, C. M., 2 Jan 2025, In: European Public and Social Innovation Review. 10Translated title of the contribution :University Extension and the role of the teacher in integrated substantive processes: an essential analysis Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access1 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations -
Philosophy and Theology Facing Transhumanism: A Hermeneutic Analysis
Reyes, J. M., Medina, A. P. & Villacis, V. I., 3 Apr 2025, In: Journal of Posthumanism. 5, 3, p. 166-180 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Educar para la Disponibilidad desde la Ética de la Alteridad. Propuesta Educativa Preventiva Desde la Filosofía de Emmanuel Lévinas
Tipanquiza Hidalgo, M. I. & Iza Villacis, V. A., 28 Nov 2024.Translated title of the contribution :Educating for Availability from the Ethics of Alterity. Preventive Educational Proposal from the Philosophy of Emmanuel Lévinas Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
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Del Sistema Preventivo a la Acción Pastoral. Sistematización De una Experiencia de Asociacionismo Salesiano (Coordinación)
Iza Villacis, V. A. & Mendez Reyes, J. M., 31 May 2023, Editorial Universitaria Abya-Yala. 137 p.Translated title of the contribution :From the Preventive System to Pastoral Action. Systematization of an Experience of Salesian Associationism (Coordination) Research output: Book/Report › Book