Chilean universities host biotechnology and science outreach programs

Educational institutions in Chile are conducting initiatives to promote scientific interest and biotechnology among students.

As part of Biotech Week Puerto Varas 2026, the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh) Puerto Montt campus led a scientific bootcamp for over 80 students ranging from 7th grade to 2nd year of high school. Co-organized with Biotech and PAR Explora Los Lagos, the three-day event focused on practical experiences such as discovering microorganisms and developing new materials through the creation of biopolymers, micro-spheres, and biofilms.

Separately, the Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB) held a poster session for its Biotechnology Engineering students from the Santiago and Viña del Mar campuses. The event allowed university students to present research in molecular biology, microbiology, and aquaculture in a format similar to scientific congresses. To encourage interest in scientific careers, UNAB invited high school students to participate, supported by the startup Hello Science to facilitate scientific communication and outreach.