Virginia Robano

Economist & Data Scientist | Gender Equality | AI in Education | Policy Research

Bridging Research, Technology & Policy for Social Impact

I specialize in applying data science, AI, and econometric methods to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of education, gender equality, and public policy in Latin America. My work combines rigorous research, strategic policy advice, and the development of innovative tools for decision-making.

Currently, I serve as Senior Policy Advisor on Data Science and Gender Equality at Ceibal (Uruguay’s pioneering digital education initiative), where I lead research and policy design on AI in education, gender equity in STEM, and digital capital measurement.

Core Expertise:

  • AI & EdTech Policy: From generative AI applications to strategic digital ecosystem design

  • Gender & STEM Equity: Research, metrics, and intervention design to close gender gaps

  • Digital Capital & Evaluation: Frameworks to measure and enhance technology’s educational impact

  • Mixed-Methods Research: Combining quantitative analysis with regional political context

Virginia Robano

Contact
robano@gwu.edu
London, United Kingdom

Academic Profiles
ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Code & Media
GitHub | YouTube | LinkedIn

Current Research Focus

AI & Education Policy

Leading applied research on generative AI in education, from policy frameworks to functional learning tools.

Key Projects: - AI Observatory: Designing Ceibal’s new Observatory on AI in Education - Generative AI Research: From concept to chatbot implementation for learning - Strategic Advisory: AI sandboxes and policy frameworks for education

Explore AI Research →

Gender Equity in STEM

Pioneering research on gender gaps in computational thinking and STEM education across Uruguay’s digital ecosystem.

Key Projects: - Gender Dashboard: Interactive platform tracking 50+ STEM equity indicators - Teacher Perception Study: Longitudinal analysis of gender bias in education - Knowledge Hub: Meta-analysis of 250+ research documents on gender & STEM

Explore Gender Research →

Digital Capital & EdTech Evaluation

Developing frameworks to measure and enhance the educational impact of technology programs.

Key Projects: - Digital Capital Framework: New metrics for program evaluation - micro:bit Strategic Redesign: 2025-2030 strategy and implementation - Evidence Synthesis: Systematic reviews of EdTech interventions

Explore Digital Capital Research →

Recent Impact & Leadership

Important2024-2025: Strategic Initiatives
Initiative Impact Status
AI Observatory Design Leading Ceibal’s new center for AI in education research In development
Gender Equity Dashboard Real-time monitoring of 50+ STEM indicators Live
micro:bit 2025-2030 Strategy Co-authored strategic redesign for Uruguay’s flagship program Implemented
International Delegations Estonia/Finland digital education study & Wales ARC Summit Completed
Sectoral Education Fund Designed concept note for ANII-Ceibal collaboration on absenteeism Launched

Latest Publications

Books & Major Reports

  1. Robano, V., González I., Galland O. (2025). De la teoría a la práctica: Construyendo equidad de género. Montevideo.
  2. Robano, V. (2023). Gender Equality in Ceibal’s STEM Ecosystem. Centro Ceibal.
    Download
  3. OECD (2023). The FinTech Ecosystem in the Czech Republic (contributing author).
  4. Robano, V., Degregorio, C., & Talmón, F. (2025). Ceilab Maldonado: Territorial Analysis. Ceibal.

Recent Working Papers

  1. Robano, V., Degregorio, C., & Talmón, F. (2025). A framework to analyse digital capital in the microbit program.
  2. Robano, V. (2024). On the measurement of digital capital in EdTech.
  3. Robano, V. (2021). A framework to measure gender equality: access, use and benefits.
  4. Levy Yeyati, E., Robano, V., Pereiro E., Porto C., Koleszar, V. (2025). Generative AI in Education: Evidence Synthesis and Policy Implications.

Browse all publications →

Academic Background & Recognition

Education

  • PhD in Economics, George Washington University (2012)

  • MA in Economics, George Washington University (2008)

  • MA in Economics, University of Maryland (2004)

  • Licenciada en Economía, Universidad de la República, Uruguay (2000)

Current Academic Roles

  • Senior Policy Advisor, Ceibal (Data Science & Gender Equality)

  • Founder & Executive Director, Áurea Estrategias Sustentables

  • Former Executive Director, MSc in Data Science, UTEC Uruguay

Awards & Recognition

NoteGlobal Development Network Medal

Award: Medal in Research & Development / Social Protection
Year: 2013
For: “The part-time premium enigma: an assessment of the Chilean case”
Competition: 700+ submissions globally

Other Recognition: - National System of Researchers (SNI), ANII Uruguay (2018-2020) - Advisory Board Member, COMPASS Horizon 2020 (2015-2019) - Invited Expert, OECD, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank

Teaching & Academic Leadership

My teaching integrates rigorous quantitative methods with regional political and social context, fostering critical analysis of gender, inequality, and public policy through mixed-methods approaches.

Recent Teaching Experience: - Universidad ORT Uruguay: Associate Professor of Economics (Microeconomics, Development Economics) - Sciences Po University: Visiting Professor of Economics (Paris campus) - UTEC Uruguay: Executive Director, MSc in Data Science program

Explore teaching philosophy and courses →

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  • CV: Comprehensive academic CV (PDF/LaTeX versions available)

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