On December 28, 2015, the University of Navarra, specifically the School of Education and Psychology and the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), launched a research program on character education to be applied in secondary schools in Central and South America. The Templeton World Charity Foundation will fund it with a grant of 700,000 euros.

The initiative, which lasts for three years, aims to achieve a better understanding of how the formation of positive character traits, particularly social and moral virtues, can be promoted in secondary education in Central and South America.

The project is part theoretical research, part practical application that focuses on Mexico, Argentina and Colombia, where there are plans to revise education policies and best practices in schools, in consultation with regional governments. In addition, the team will develop six case studies in secondary schools, for which they will conduct surveys, analyze classrooms, organize several focus groups, and interview students, teachers and parents.

The research aims to develop ways to promote education in social and moral virtues. The project results are projected to impact high school students, teachers, those who educate teachers, researchers in education, policy makers, and parents.

Concepción Naval, Dean of the School of Education and Psychology, will lead the research team. Participants include Aurora Bernal and Angel Sobrino, professors within the same school, Daniel Moulin, an ICS research fellow, and John Paul Dabdoub, an Education and Psychology research assistant. From ICS, Alex Hansen will collaborate in project management and Maria Isabel Solana will be responsible for communications.