Chile has been approved as an Associate Member State of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), a momentous achievement for Chilean science and research. This follows a formal application in July 2023, supported by a visit from Chilean President Gabriel Boric to CERN in July 2024 and a prior visit from a CERN delegation to Chile in March 2024.
This membership provides Chilean researchers with full access to CERN's scientific programs, job opportunities, scholarships, and collaborations. It also opens doors for Chilean companies, especially SMEs, to participate in high-level technology tenders. The annual contribution from Chile will be approximately two million dollars for five years.
Key benefits highlighted include:
The process for Chile's admission was notably faster than that of Brazil, CERN's other Latin American member. This speed is attributed to over a decade of prior significant collaboration with Chilean universities.
Jilberto Zamora, a Chilean researcher involved in CERN's ATLAS and LHCb experiments, emphasizes the potential for creating a thriving technology ecosystem in Chile through SME participation. He clarifies that CERN's work focuses on particle physics, not nuclear energy, dispelling potential misconceptions.
Chile is expected to officially become an Associate Member State in September 2025 and fully operational by 2026. This membership signifies a significant step towards building a knowledge-based society in Chile, focusing on scientific advancement and economic development through innovation.