On September 29 and 30, the 1st Meeting of Conicyt Research Centers was held at the Hotel Manquehue in Santiago. Representatives from various regional centers, the Associative Research Program (PIA), and Fondap, including SERC Chile, participated.

During both days, delegates from each of the research centers shared their organizations' experiences, work methodologies, and challenges with an audience that included Conicyt authorities.

The presentation by Rodrigo Palma, Director of SERC Chile, took place on the second day within the thematic block “The contribution of research centers to Public Policies,” a session introduced by María José Menéndez, Director of the Department of Strategic Management and Studies at Conicyt, who invited scientists to explore other fields to leave a mark on society.

“Centers are called upon to generate impacts not only in science but also in other areas such as health, environment, culture, education, etc., in order to make the effect they have on development visible,” said Menéndez.

During his presentation, Rodrigo Palma highlighted the importance of Public Policies for the country's energy advancement and emphasized the collaborations our center has carried out in various instances, such as the participation of five SERC researchers in the Advisory Council created by the Minister of Energy and advisory roles in Congressional commissions.

“SERC has a vocation for approaching real-world issues and does not focus solely on scientific aspects. In 20 years, Chile could become one of the exporters of solar energy and other non-conventional energies in South America. Our ‘moonshot’ is to have 12 sites in the north of the country to generate 4,800 KW. However, without inspiring the country and without associated public policies, it is impossible,” he commented.

Download the presentation by Rodrigo Palma, Director of SERC CHILE, here