Within the framework of the process of consolidation and institutional and technological growth of LA Reference, and as a result of joint work between the Board of Directors and the management team, an update in the management structure of the Network is reported, which will come into effect as of January 2026.

During the last Annual Meeting, held in Ecuador, the Board of Directors analyzed the challenges associated with the expansion of LA Reference activities, in particular the increase in the technical complexity of the regional infrastructure and the growing demand in terms of administrative management and project execution. Within this framework, it was agreed to move forward with an adaptation of the management structure that allows this process to be accompanied in an orderly, sustainable manner and aligned with the strategic guidelines defined by the Council itself.

As a result of this process, the following organization of roles was defined:

  • Federico Cetrángolo will assume the role of Executive and Administrative Director, with the main focus on the institutional, administrative and financial management of the projects carried out by LA Reference. Its function will be aimed at strengthening the planning, execution and delivery of projects, ensuring efficient, transparent and consistent administration with the strategic decisions of the Board of Directors and with the requirements of financiers and institutional partners.
  • Lautaro Matas will assume the role of Technical Manager of LA Reference, in response to the growth and diversification of the technical challenges faced by the Network in this new stage, leading the technical management of regional infrastructure, new developments and strategic services, and technical articulation with member countries and international partners. Within this framework, he will be in charge of the direction and execution of the project “Expansion and innovation of the federated Open Science infrastructure in Latin America” (financed by Invest in Open Infrastructure – IOI), and will continue to provide technical support to the Lyrasis–LA Reference project.

The Board of Directors maintains its central role in defining strategic orientations, general management supervision and key decision-making for the institutional development of LA Reference, reaffirming the collaborative and federal nature of the Network.

This structure is supported by a technical and communication staff, which, together with RedCLARA, will continue to strengthen the operational capabilities of LA Reference and accompany the execution of its activities and projects, in coordination with the member countries.

The update of the management structure reflects a natural evolution of LA Reference in the face of its growth and seeks to strengthen its institutional capacity to respond effectively to the technical and management challenges posed by this new stage.