CESI on mission in Chile: strengthening scientific ties between France and Latin America
In this page:
- A focus on key areas of scientific cooperation
- A promising exploratory mission
- A favourable diplomatic and scientific context
- A long-term commitment
Karine Gourlet, International Mobility Manager, took part in the first Franco-Chilean Scientific and Academic Forum in Santiago as part of a strategic mission to strengthen CESI’s international outreach.
A focus on key areas of scientific cooperation
This initiative is part of the momentum generated by President Emmanuel Macron‘s official visit to Chile in November 2024. The Forum, held in the presence of Chilean President Gabriel Boric and several members of the government, marked an important milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries. The event highlighted three major scientific themes of mutual priority for France and Chile: ocean protection, artificial intelligence, and green hydrogen. These areas are already the focus of active cooperation, as illustrated by the Franco-Chilean Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research, a cornerstone of scientific collaboration between the two countries.
A promising exploratory mission
The main objective of the CESI mission was to establish initial contacts with Chilean institutions, in a region still largely unexplored by the institution. Meetings were held with several prestigious universities, including the University of Chile, the University of Santiago (USACH), the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (PUCV), the Catholic University of the North (UCN) in Antofagasta, and the Metropolitan Technological University (UTEM) in Santiago.
Karine Gourlet, International Mobility Manager and a French-Chilean herself, was able to use her bi-cultural background to facilitate a meaningful and constructive dialogue with local stakeholders. Discussions focused on student mobility, scientific cooperation and the possible establishment of bilateral agreements.
Along with Brazil and Colombia, Chile is emerging
as a key player in student mobility in Latin America.
Its higher education institutions are actively pursuing internationalisation, paving the way for ambitious and sustainable partnerships.
A favourable diplomatic and scientific context
In addition to the institutional meetings, the Forum also included conferences and round tables on priority scientific topics. The ECOS SUD mobility programme, which supports the exchange of researchers between France and Latin America, was presented as a strategic tool for the development of future joint projects.
A major follow-up event is already planned for June 2025 in Nice, with an International Conference on Ocean Protection, to ensure the continuity of this collaborative momentum.
A long-term commitment
By opening up to new partnerships in Latin America, and Chile in particular, CESI reaffirms its commitment to expanding its international network and supporting the internationalisation efforts of higher education institutions across the region.