Ignacio Sánchez Díaz is a pediatrician and pediatric pulmonologist, Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He earned his medical degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and completed his specialization in pediatric respiratory diseases at the University of Manitoba, Canada.

He is the author of numerous publications on higher education, university leadership, and public policy in both Chilean and international academic journals. He has also authored and edited several books, including the Ideas en Educación: Reflexiones y Propuestas desde la UC series, which brings together contributions from UC scholars on key issues in educational reform, and the From the University to Society series, a collection of essays and opinion columns written during his tenure as President of the University.

He served as President (Rector) of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile from 2010 to 2025, leading a period of significant institutional development marked by the expansion of research, the strengthening of international partnerships, and the creation of new interdisciplinary academic initiatives. He has been awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Drexel University, the University of Notre Dame, and the Universidad de los Andes (Colombia).

Throughout his academic career, Professor Sánchez has contributed to the advancement of higher education, science, and public health, while playing a leading role in the institutional development of the University and in national discussions on public policy.

He currently continues his academic work as a clinical professor at the Dr. Sótero del Río Hospital and the Josefina Martínez Hospital, both teaching hospitals affiliated with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He also leads national initiatives on higher education as President of AEQUALIS, Chile's Higher Education Forum.