Chile boosts marine science and regional research priorities

The XLV Congreso de Ciencias del Mar was held at the Universidad de Concepción, featuring a symposium by the Nodo Océano team from Universidad Católica del Norte, funded by the Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo. The event highlighted interdisciplinary research on the Humboldt Archipelago, including studies of submarine canyons, zooplankton ecology, cetacean conservation, and oceanographic processes.

Separately, the regional science secretary Carlos Olave met with Governor Jorge Flies to outline priority scientific areas for the region. They discussed expanding data‑center industry, strengthening Chile’s presence in Antarctica, and promoting technology transfer to diversify the economy and improve social welfare. Both initiatives underscore Chile’s focus on leveraging its coastal and Antarctic assets for scientific and economic development.