Announcement

ESO–Chile Joint Committee 2024 announces its winners

18 December 2024

The ESO–Government of Chile Joint Committee has announced the results for the 2024 period, with a total of 625 million Chilean pesos to be distributed. The funds will be invested primarily in initiatives dedicated to the development of scientific and technological research, fostering cooperation in the field of astronomy, and supporting astronomy dissemination and education projects in Chile.  

This year, the Joint Committee received 80 eligible applications, of which 20 were selected as winners across six thematic areas. Of these proposals, 35% will support scientific research, while 20% will be allocated to projects for the dissemination and education of astronomical science in Chile. An example is the support for Chilean students to travel to the 2025 Latin American Astronomy and Astronautics Olympiad, an international inter-school competition that annually brings together students and teachers from 11 Latin American countries. Furthermore, the Joint Committee will continue funding projects aimed at preserving Chile’s dark and pristine skies.  

“This important fund directly supports the current and future generations of Chileans working in astronomy. The development of this science not only impacts its own field but also drives and stimulates other disciplines that benefit the country in many ways. Astronomy is a driver of change and a powerful motivational tool for students and young people, which the country must seize,” said Luis Chavarría, ESO Representative in Chile, following the announcement of the results.

Since 1996, the ESO–Government of Chile Joint Committee has been one of the main funds for the development of astronomy, supporting postdoctoral programmes and academic positions in astronomy at Chilean institutions. In addition, it finances national and international scientific visits, technology demonstrators, and educational programmes for teaching and disseminating this science in the country.  

The ESO–Government of Chile Joint Committee is composed of representatives from ESO and the Government of Chile, through the Directorate of Energy, Science, Technology and Innovation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, and the Chilean Astronomy Society.  

The winning projects of the ESO–Government of Chile 2024 Joint Committee are:

Tipo*

1. Otros proyectos
2. Programas de post doctorado en astronomía en instituciones chilenas
3. Visitas científicas extendidas de uno hasta tres meses de post docs, investigadores o académicos seniors
4. Proyectos de desarrollo y construcción de sistemas tecnológicos para la astronomía
5. Programas pilotos de capacitación para la enseñanza y difusión de la astronomía en Chile
6. Apoyo a instituciones académicas a través del financiamiento de cargos de iniciación de profesores titulares (full professors), asociados (associate professors) o asistentes (assistant professors)

Contacts

Francisco Rodríguez
ESO Media Relations Officer
Alonso de Córdova 3107, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 2463 3151
Email: francisco.rodriguez@eso.org