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Humboldt Colloquium in Chile: Cross-border friendship and trust in science and academia

Eighty participants from Latin America and Germany discussed international scientific collaboration and science diplomacy in Chile.

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Panorama der Hauptstadt von Chile mit markanten Hochhäusern vor dem Hintergrund der Anden
Saturn-ähnliches Dekortationsbild

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The Humboldt Colloquium was held at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and the Heidelberg Center Latin America in Santiago de Chile from 26-28 March.
In addition to the participants from Chile, further guests included Humboldtians from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico. 

Attending researchers from a wide range of fields discussed the opportunities and challenges of international research cooperation: How can science diplomacy foster international exchange? What contributions can Humboldtians from Chile and Latin America make to international collaboration? What does the Humboldt Network’s future in the region look like?

The aim of the colloquium was to promote long-term partnerships and develop innovative solutions to global issues. Keynote lectures by Humboldtians were rounded out by specialist workshops and panel discussions, intensifying the collaboration between researchers in the Humboldt Network.

Gruppenfoto, ca 25 Menschen stehen vor eine Gebäude und lächeln in die Kamera

Connections were established and impetus for new projects was generated not only in interdisciplinary working groups, but also during networking breaks. Ambassador Scientist Carmen Feijoo from Universidad Andrés Bello in Santiago put it in a nutshell: “Never underestimate the value of a coffee break.”

Menschen stehen an einem Tisch mit Essen darauf und unterhalten sich

The two panel discussions held during the colloquium revolved around what science and academia need in Latin America and in collaboration with the region: Representatives of the Chilean and Latin American science systems pointed out the region’s importance as a supranational location for research and as a partner for Germany. They noted the importance of trusting collaboration that is promoted by programmes like those offered by the Humboldt Foundation. At the same time, supporting women in scientific careers on a targeted basis continues to be essential as is the integration of junior researchers into international cooperations.  “You never know when you plant a seed,” Angélica Zepeda of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and president of the Humboldt Club Mexico underscored.

Panel Diskussion mit 5 Teilnehmenden
Saturn-ähnliches Dekortationsbild
The Humboldt Colloquia

Every year, the Humboldt Foundation organises up to two colloquia abroad to which alumni from the respective country or region are invited. The Humboldt Colloquia are financed by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.

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