# Playa Ancha University

> university in Chile

**Wikidata**: [Q634259](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q634259)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playa_Ancha_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/playa-ancha-university

## Summary
Playa Ancha University (Universidad de Playa Ancha) is a public university and open-access publisher located in Valparaíso, Chile. Established in 1948, it is a significant academic institution that succeeded the Instituto Pedagógico in 1981.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 1948
- **Location:** Valparaíso, Chile (Elevation: 54 meters)
- **Official Names:** Universidad de Playa Ancha; Universidad de Playa Ancha de Ciencias de la Educación
- **Institutional Successor:** Followed the Instituto Pedagógico in 1981
- **International Affiliations:** Member of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie
- **Classification:** University and open-access publisher
- **Identifiers:** ROR ID 0171wr661; ISNI 0000000106942144; GRID grid.441843.e
- **Website:** http://www.upla.cl/

## FAQs
### Q: Where is Playa Ancha University located?
A: The university is located in the coastal city of Valparaíso, Chile. Its central facilities, including the Casa Central, are situated at an elevation of 54 meters above sea level.

### Q: What is the history of the university's establishment?
A: While the university itself was founded in 1948, it underwent a major transition in 1981 when it followed the Instituto Pedagógico. The Instituto Pedagógico was a long-standing Chilean higher education institution originally established in 1889.

### Q: Is Playa Ancha University involved in academic publishing?
A: Yes, the institution is recognized as an open-access publisher in addition to its primary role as a university. It is included on the focus list of the Wikidata WikiProject Academic Publisher.

## Why It Matters
Playa Ancha University plays a vital role in the Chilean higher education landscape, particularly within the Valparaíso region. By succeeding the Instituto Pedagógico in 1981, the university carries forward a legacy of teacher training and pedagogical excellence that dates back to the late 19th century. 

As a member of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie, the university maintains international academic ties, facilitating global collaboration. Its dual status as a university and an open-access publisher highlights its commitment to the dissemination of research and knowledge. The institution serves as a key hub for Chilean researchers and educators, contributing to the country's intellectual and social development through its academic programs and alumni network.

## Notable For
- **Pedagogical Heritage:** Directly succeeded the Instituto Pedagógico, inheriting a tradition of Chilean higher education established in 1889.
- **Open-Access Publishing:** Formally recognized as an open-access publisher, supporting the free distribution of academic research.
- **International Membership:** One of the Chilean institutions belonging to the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie.
- **Regional Significance:** A major educational landmark in Valparaíso, identified by its prominent Casa Central and high-altitude coastal campus.

## Body

### Institutional History and Identity
Playa Ancha University was founded in 1948. It is also known by its full name, Universidad de Playa Ancha de Ciencias de la Educación, and the acronym UPLA. In 1981, the university succeeded the Instituto Pedagógico, an institution with roots dating back to April 29, 1889. 

### Geography and Campus
The university is situated in Valparaíso, Chile, at coordinates -33.02442231104998, -71.64077308775914. The campus is located at an elevation of 54 meters above sea level. The "Casa Central UPLA" serves as a primary architectural and administrative landmark for the institution.

### Academic Affiliations and Research
The university is a member of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). It is associated with researchers such as Carlos Valle Vidal, a Chilean teacher and researcher. The institution is categorized as an "open-access publisher" and is tracked by several major academic databases and registries:
*   **ISNI:** 0000000106942144
*   **VIAF:** 139658370
*   **Ringgold ID:** 155338
*   **Library of Congress ID:** n88072160
*   **KISTI ID:** K000196699

### Digital and Global Presence
Playa Ancha University maintains a presence across multiple languages on Wikipedia, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Swedish. It is cataloged under the GeoNames ID 8693005 and the Yale LUX ID group/71803bb8-ecfd-4e95-8dc1-e4a10445c00a. Its official digital home is http://www.upla.cl/.

## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20221123144401/https://www.auf.org/les_membres/nos-membres/)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. GRID Release 2016-05-31
6. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions