MinCiencia launches 1.2 billion peso fund for scientific outreach in Chile

Chile's Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation (MinCiencia) has opened the 2026-2027 call for the 'Ciencia Pública' program. The initiative aims to democratize access to scientific knowledge through two national funds totaling over 1.2 billion pesos.

The 'Dispositivos de Comunicación de Conocimientos' fund, with a budget of 400 million pesos, supports the creation of innovative products such as podcasts, audiovisual series, books, and board games based on validated research. The 'Espacios Regionales de Socialización' fund, allocated 800 million pesos, focuses on establishing interactive or expository spaces in each region of the country. Applications are open until October 14 via the official government platform.

In a related effort to promote scientific engagement, the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA) announced 'NanoExploradoras 2026'. This free program, scheduled for October 22, 2026, at Universidad Diego Portales in Santiago, is designed for girls aged 9 to 12. The event features six interactive stations covering topics such as renewable energy, nanobiomedicine, and magnetic nanostructures to encourage interest in STEM fields.