On August 27 and 28, the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) participated in the School Scientific Research and Innovation Meeting, organized by the PAR Explora Los Lagos, as part of the celebration of Explora’s 30th anniversary.
The event brought together students and teachers from public and private schools throughout the region, along with institutions linked to science, technology, knowledge, and innovation (CTCI). In this space, IFOP had the opportunity to contribute to the evaluation of school projects, an experience highly valued by the institution, as it allows for the recognition and motivation of young talents who are taking their first steps in scientific research.
In addition, IFOP participated in the co-design meeting for activities, strengthening its collaborative work with the regional CTCI ecosystem and reaffirming its commitment to scientific dissemination.
“We are very pleased to have been part of this event, which not only showcases students’ creativity and effort, but also provides them with a space for appreciation and motivation to continue developing their talents in science and innovation,” stated IFOP.
This year, unlike previous years, there was no open call for interactive booths. In the context of Explora’s 30th anniversary, a select group of institutions, including IFOP, were directly and narrowly invited in recognition of their history of collaborative work and their contribution to the scientific development of the region.
The Explora Los Lagos PAR highlighted IFOP’s cooperation and the value of its participation in an initiative that allows the students who will represent the region at the National Congress of School Science, to be held this year in Puerto Montt, to discuss their work.
The event also highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for children and young people from different parts of the region. Working alongside scientific advisors, they expressed inspiration and hope to continue learning and delving deeper into the world of science.
The Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) actively participated in the Science Festival (FECI), held within the framework of the 20th Explora Los Lagos Regional Congress on School Research and Innovation. This is a highly attended scientific outreach event that brings together school communities and the general public around science, technology, and innovation.
The Science Festival, organized nationally since 2019 by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, seeks to create spaces for people of all ages throughout the country to discover the science that surrounds them and the knowledge they possess.
In this edition, the central theme was “The Link between Freshwater and Saltwater Studies,” and the teams from the IFOP Aquaculture Research Division, Puerto Montt, presented various initiatives:
A teaching module on cell recognition and Didymosphenia geminata blooms, led by researcher Mario Ortiz.
Chilean mussel aquaculture, presented by researcher Macarena Herrera from the Mussel Larval Monitoring Program, who showcased the “Endemic Seed” platform along with samples used in the ongoing monitoring of this study.
IFOP’s presence at FECI reaffirms its commitment to scientific outreach, bringing the progress of its research to the community and helping to spark the curiosity and motivation of children, young people, and the general public toward marine science and aquaculture.
