en.Wedoany.com Reported - A team from the Regional Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) of Biobío, Chile, recently visited the Abate Juan Ignacio Molina Marine Biology Station at the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC), led by Regional Director María Eliana Vega, with the aim of deepening understanding of local ecosystem research and strengthening collaboration with academia. The exchange was facilitated by SEA professional and UCSC alumnus Nelson Cortés, who contacted Dr. Sergio Contreras, Head of the Department of Environmental Chemistry at the university, to showcase the scientific work of the Faculty of Sciences and discuss topics such as biodiversity, sustainability, continuing education, and graduate programs.
During the event, Dr. Contreras presented UCSC's development, academic programs, and research directions of various departments. Together with Dr. Ángel Urzúa, Head of the Department of Ecology, he reviewed seminars, lectures, and undergraduate and graduate thesis outcomes related to San Vicente Bay (Bahía San Vicente). Additionally, Patricio Torres, a doctoral student at the Regional Center for Environmental Research, reported on the environmental diagnostic assessment of San Vicente Bay.
In his capacity as Deputy Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Sustainable Environment (CIBAS), Dr. Contreras emphasized the importance of opening laboratories to the public sector, stating that all outreach activities originate from the university and aim to coexist harmoniously with the local community. He also noted that if future actions are taken regarding San Vicente Bay, academia must be involved.
Paulina Medina, Director of Continuing Education and Services, offered insights on integrating academia with regional environmental management. She pointed out that universities should connect academia with the community and share research findings with businesses and public institutions to address local needs. A series of academic and professional courses addressing environmental issues is currently under development.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the SEA delegation toured the aquarium, quarry area, and site infrastructure. Preliminary ideas for collaboration on undergraduate and graduate theses were established, and next steps for cooperation were outlined.
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