Through this alliance, we seek to establish work that will allow us to launch a postgraduate program in the field of astro-informatics and astronomical research.

In the premises of the Central House of the University of La Serena, a working meeting was held between the Rector of the university, Dr. Nibaldo Avilés, the Director of Research and Development, Dr. Amelia Ramírez, the Head of Campus Digital, Humberto Farías, and the Director of the Chilean Virtual Observatory and Deputy Director of Liaison with the Environment of the Computer Science Department of the Federico Santa María Technical University, Dr. Mauricio Solar.

This meeting was held with a view to carrying out joint work between both universities in the area of ​​astro-informatics.

In this regard, the Director of Research and Development of the University of La Serena, Dr. Amelia Ramírez, pointed out that "under the framework of the Ciencia2030 project, recently awarded by the ULS, in alliance with the University of Valparaíso and the Federico Santa Technical University María, there are clearly defined objectives to promote technological transfer and innovation of the knowledge generated at the ULS and that positively impact the regional community, both business, educational and government. In this sense, the ULS has strengths in R&D in topics such as water resources and renewable energies, as well as in Data Science, especially that driven by astro-informatics. It is in this context that we will generate postgraduate degrees, diplomas and postgraduate degrees in these areas as part of the future strategies of this House of Studies".

The final objective of this meeting was to present, on behalf of the UTFSM, the request to establish an alliance between that university and the University of La Serena for the development of a postgraduate program in astro-informatics. In addition, an invitation was raised for the University of La Serena to become an integral part of the board of directors of the Chilean Virtual Observatory (ChiVO).

The reason for this request, explained the Director of the Chilean Virtual Observatory Dr. Mauricio Solar, is because the University of La Serena has developed important work in astronomical matters. Currently the University teaches the Astronomy degree and works with research in this area. Furthermore, this region has optimal conditions for the study of astronomy, which is very important for us,” he stated.

“This is an opportunity for both institutions since it will be possible to collect the extensive experience of the UTFSM in astro-informatics with its Virtual Observatory and on the part of the ULS with the Datascience group that has also focused its work on astro-informatics,” added the Chief. from Campus Digital, Humberto Farías.