Chile Global: Natural laboratories for the science of the future
Chile is marked by its natural riches and breathtaking landscapes. Our country is home to everything from the driest desert in the world to extensive coasts along the Pacific and one of the deepest sea trenches. The majestic Andean peaks, including the iconic Torres del Paine, dazzle those who visit us, while our skies, the most pristine worldwide for optical astronomical observation, invite contemplation of the universe.
Chile’s natural settings, particularly its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, are not just visual spectacles; they are dynamic living laboratories for scientific research in multiple disciplines. The remarkable seismic and volcanic activity in this region, while posing significant challenges, also presents unique opportunities for groundbreaking geological studies that contribute to our security and the use of alternative energy resources, such as geothermal energy.
The ocean, on the other hand, holds mysteries comparable to those of the cosmos. We barely know a fraction of the marine species that inhabit it, but its vast waters offer essential resources for our population and critical study areas to understand and address climate change from an oceanographic perspective.
To the north, the world’s largest concentration of telescopes and radio telescopes makes Chile an epicenter of cosmic research. These instruments not only help us find our planet’s place in the universe but also explore the possibilities of life on other worlds.
Thus, Chile’s natural environments are revealed as exceptional platforms for research, constituting a valuable national heritage. These ‘laboratories’ not only provide crucial scientific data but also allow us to observe and understand the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of our environment and its evolution.
This issue of the I+D+i Journal highlights how the researchers of the University of Concepción are exploring these issues, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and contributing to Chile’s sustainable development. Through the strategic management of our valuable natural resources and an innovative vision, Chile can achieve essential global development in the social, technological, and human fields in the medium term.
Dr. Ronald Mennickent Cid
Director of Research and Artistic Creation
Vice-Rector’s Office for Research and Development
University of Concepción
