Sergio M. Cabrales

Universidad Rafael Landívar

I serve as Director of Research Management. My work focuses on strengthening the university’s research capacity through policy development, project coordination, and institutional partnerships. I oversee the Landívar Research Fund with over 50 active projects, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and lead the QS Ranking Commission to enhance the visibility and impact of academic research at the national and international levels.

ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data) 

I analyze protest dynamics in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. I contribute to regional monitoring of political violence and civic mobilization. I conduct quantitative and qualitative assessments to identify patterns of collective action.

NORC at Chicago University

Conducted quantitative analysis of Nicaraguan political attitudes from 2010 to 2019 using public opinion surveys. Developed programmatic recommendations to foster democratic attitudes among Nicaraguans in response to the escalating authoritarianism.

Navanti Group

Constructed and published an archive of political protests in Nicaragua amid deteriorating democracy (available here). Engaged and collaborated with Nicaraguan civil society organizations and activists to provide training on the effectiveness of peaceful collective actions and diffusion of protest claims.

Expediente Abierto

Coordinated qualitative and quantitative research projects in Central America. Thematic areas included security, citizenship, democracy, the labor market, and youth.

Advocated for democracy promotion and good governance to critical stakeholders, including journalists, NGOs, community organizations, think tanks, academics, and international institutions, using the organization’s research findings.

Planned, arranged, and led workshops, fellowships, and trainings founded on thorough research. Over 150 participants in at least three countries in Central America, including journalists, vulnerable groups, politicians, former political prisoners, students, and researchers.

Formulated research and social projects for potential donors, resulting in a substantial portfolio within three years.

Inter-American Dialogue

(Internship)

Developed databases on Foreign Language Teaching in Latin America based on surveys and documentary revisions.

Assisted in organizing, coordinating, and executing events to present research to academic, political, and journalistic audiences.

FHI 360

(Internship)

Collaborated on research projects on the labor market and education in Morocco, Jamaica, and Honduras.

Presented at academic events, providing perspectives on development and education in the Central American Region.