Successful second Science and Technology Colloquium in Antofagasta organized by CRUCH

The second Science and Technology Colloquium was held at the University of Antofagasta, with the participation of young researchers from universities belonging to the Council of Rectors (CRUCH) located between Arica and La Serena. The colloquium was presided over by Rector Dr. Alberto Loyola, who emphasized the importance of this debate and the commitment to presenting proposals to political actors. He also affirmed his university's commitment to continuing this dialogue and exchange among academics in the northern macro-region.

The colloquium brought together young people from diverse disciplines, including natural sciences, applied sciences, humanities and social sciences; who were able to share their visions and expectations on scientific and technological development in the northern part of the country, along with the contributions of outstanding academics such as Jorge Pinto (National History Prize), María Teresa Ruiz (National Science Prize) and Luis Cisternas (researcher at the University of Antofagasta and the Scientific and Technological Research Center of the Antofagasta Region, CICITEM).

The main debate centered on the urgent need for science and technology policies that consider the important role played by Chile's regions. Participants called for a decentralization of decision-making and resources to strengthen existing capabilities and resources in each territory. Equally important was the discussion of the complex challenges young people face in entering the country's university and productive sectors, especially after completing their doctoral degrees. From this perspective, the role and commitment of universities to promote scientific work, foster opportunities for young people to integrate into the workforce, and develop strategies to address the country's complex new knowledge and development challenges were examined.

Based on the experience of the guests – Pinto, Ruiz and Cisternas – it was possible to delve deeper into the importance of the articulation of basic sciences, applied sciences and strategic sciences, the recognition of the research trajectories and contribution to the development of the country of each generation and the conviction that scientific work cannot be detached from the needs and imperatives of our country.

At the end of this activity, the young researchers agreed to maintain a meeting space, which will allow them to advance in a task of academic collaboration networks and in the challenge of placing arguments and proposals for scientific development in northern Chile on the political agenda.