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The launch of Espacio Ciencia marks a milestone in the advancement towards open and connected science, offering researchers and citizens a platform that integrates, showcases and expands the global reach of Chilean research.
On this occasion, the second Memorandum of Understanding between ANID, CRUCH, CUP, and CINCEL was signed, strengthening inter-institutional collaboration and ensuring the continuity of the Support Network for the National Infrastructure for Access to Scientific Information in Chile. Emilio Rodríguez, Executive Vice President and Rector of the University of Tarapacá, signed on behalf of the Council.
The National Research and Development Agency (ANID), together with the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), the Corporation of Private Universities (CUP), the Corporation for Access to Electronic Scientific Information (CINCEL) and LA Referencia, the Latin American and Spanish Open Science Network, presented Espacio Ciencia on Thursday, October 21, a digital service that consolidates a unified access point to the scientific production hosted in the institutional repositories of the participating Chilean universities and in the ANID Repository.
Chile's national access node is conceived as an open and interconnected infrastructure and represents a decisive step towards a new model for accessing scientific information in the country. Espacio Ciencia is part of the National Infrastructure for Access to Scientific Information (INA) and is the result of joint efforts driven by ANID, in line with the implementation of the ANID Open Access Policy, in effect since 2022, which promotes the public availability of research results funded by the State.
Through this platform, researchers, public and private institutions, and the general public can access, reuse, and connect national scientific knowledge, strengthening a more collaborative, transparent, and efficient ecosystem. The service is based on the Metadata Guidelines and Interoperability Mechanisms developed by ANID, which guarantees the quality, traceability, and compatibility of the information, as well as its integration with LA Referencia, expanding the global reach of science produced in Chile.
The signing of the second Memorandum of Understanding for the National Access Infrastructure Support Network (INA), between ANID, CRUCH, CUP, and CINCEL, reaffirms the inter-institutional commitment that makes this service possible, ensuring its continuity, sustainability, and expansion over time. This agreement consolidates the public-university collaboration that underpins the operation of Espacio Ciencia as part of a joint roadmap for open access to knowledge.
Science Space is available at www.espaciociencia.cl, Inviting researchers, institutions and citizens to explore, use and share national scientific production, as part of the country's commitment to an open, connected science at the service of the people.
Signing of second Memorandum
With the aim of strengthening inter-institutional collaboration and ensuring the continuity of joint work on open access to scientific knowledge, ANID, along with CRUCH, CUP, and CINCEL, signed the second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that continues the Network to Support the National Infrastructure for Access to Scientific Information (INA). Emilio Rodríguez, Executive Vice President and Rector of the University of Tarapacá, signed on behalf of CRUCH.
The first version of this agreement, signed in October 2021, gave rise to the INA, an initiative that coordinates efforts between the public sector and higher education institutions to strengthen access to scientific and academic information resources, promoting equity, transparency, and efficiency in the use of public resources. Since then, this infrastructure has allowed for the consolidation of an alternative access model and has emphasized collaboration that ensures the participation of all institutions within the STEM ecosystem on equal terms, regardless of their nature or geographic location.
The second Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the foundations of this strategic alliance and updates the commitments and responsibilities of the signatory institutions. The document establishes clear governance mechanisms through the Assembly of Participants, the Advisory Council, and the Technology and Content Selection Advisory Committees, in order to guarantee the continuity, sustainability, and evolution of the INA over time. It also recognizes ANID's role as the host organization, through its Networks, Strategy, and Knowledge Sub-Directorate, which maintains the operational, administrative, and technical management of the network.
This new phase reinforces the commitment of the Chilean State and universities to open science and equitable access to knowledge, consolidating a national system that fosters cooperation, transparency, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. With this agreement, the signatory institutions reaffirm their commitment to continue advancing the development of a robust, interoperable, and sustainable infrastructure that enhances the visibility and impact of Chilean science both locally and globally.
Watch the testimonial video from Espacio Ciencia
Text, video and photographs: courtesy of ANID Communications
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