During the second half of August, Chile will become the epicenter of Antarctic science worldwide, as the Open Conference will take place (Open Science ConferenceOSC) and the Meeting of Delegates of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) that will take place in Pucón and Punta Arenas, respectively.
With these meetings, Chile consolidates its role as a leading country in the study of the White Continent and in the promotion of international cooperation by opening spaces for reflection and the exchange of knowledge, both between the scientific community and towards citizens.
It is the second time that the most important forum for global Antarctic science is held in Latin America, marking a return to in-person conferences six years after the last meeting. On this occasion, SCAR, the National Committee for Antarctic Research (CNIA) and the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) convene.
The Open Conference of the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research
With more than two decades of existence, the Open Science Conferences have been consolidated as SCAR’s main activity, which supports its mission to promote and facilitate international research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
This meeting is held every two years and its main objective is to offer a space for scientists from various disciplines and countries to present their research, establish connections and collaborations, and become more actively involved in the initiatives promoted by SCAR.
The present conference, under the motto of “Antarctic Science: Crossroads for a new hope”, will be held in Pucón, Araucanía region, from August 19 to 23 of this year. The OSC will be followed by the SCAR National Delegates Meeting to be held in Punta Arenas starting August 26.
The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente, points out that “this meeting will be the largest of its kind that has ever been held in the world with more than 1,500 presentation proposals from researchers. Its realization in Chile demonstrates the importance of the development of Antarctic science in our country, the region and the world. We cordially invite you to be part of this event that contributes, without a doubt, to the development of greater science, greater knowledge and to contribute in a better way to the development of humanity.”
“We are in times of great challenges in terms of climate change and the research that is being done in Antarctica, in Chile and in the world is essential to take care of our planet,” commented the Undersecretary of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, Carolina Gainza.
In turn, Marcelo Leppe, member of the organizing committee, stressed that “Open Scientific Conferences are held to draw attention to the problems of Antarctica. They offer scientists from various disciplines and countries the opportunity to present their work, establish contacts and participate more actively in SCAR activities.”
The biennial SCAR meetings are the world’s leading Antarctic scientific meetings and this year’s meeting will be the first after a long break from in-person meetings due to the pandemic.
This event is expected to provide a unique platform for discussion and exchange of knowledge in a diverse environment, covering a wide range of disciplines such as Physical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, as well as interdisciplinary topics, but it is also an opportunity to learn about recent research on topics such as climate change, glacial mass loss and the risks associated with the unique biodiversity of polar environments.
The event includes a program that will include plenary conferences, mini-symposiums, parallel sessions, round tables and presentations of scientific posters. In addition, activities open to the community will be carried out.
For more information about the conference, you can visit www.scar2024.org.