Gustavo Lira

Gustavo Lira Manso (Santiago, 1 October 1887 – Santiago, 1 March 1980) was a Chilean engineer, professor, and academic administrator who served as rector of the University of Chile.

He was also a prominent figure in engineering education in Chile. He served as Minister of Public Education during the administrations of Arturo Alessandri and Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, and as Minister of Public Works and Communications under Ibáñez, Bartolomé Blanche, and Juan Antonio Ríos.

Lira also was the founder and first director of the General Directorate of Electrical Services. He served as president of the Institute of Engineers from 1923 to 1924, which awarded him its gold medal in 1958.

In 1964, he became a full member of the Academy of Sciences, occupying Seat No. 1. He had previously been elected an academic member in January 1936, succeeding Carlos Gregorio Ávalos.

Biography

Lira completed his secondary education at the Liceo de Aplicación. He graduated as a civil engineer from the University of Chile in May 1909. He later taught courses in general physics, theoretical hydraulics, agricultural hydraulics, and hydrology.

He served as director of the School of Engineering and Sciences at the University of Chile, dean of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (1929–1930; 1933–1945), and rector of the university.

Political career

Lira served as Minister of Public Works, Commerce and Communications during the vice presidency of Bartolomé Blanche and the administrations of Carlos Ibáñez del Campo and Juan Antonio Ríos. He also served as Minister of Public Education under Ibáñez and Arturo Alessandri.