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Between September 23 and 26, a delegation from the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (FCFM) of the University of Chile and the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) visited leading companies in clean technologies. The goal was to consolidate strategic partnerships that enhance applied research, innovation, and the global projection of mathematics in addressing sustainability challenges.
The delegation was led by Prof. Francisco Martínez, Dean of FCFM, together with Prof. Héctor Ramírez, Director of the CMM, and Prof. Alejandro Jofré, CMM researcher and DIM academic. During their stay, the delegation held meetings and toured the facilities of Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) and CosinSolar.
At CATL, the world leader in lithium-ion battery production and energy storage solutions, the delegation learned firsthand about the manufacturing processes of advanced cells.
“The main focus of this trip was energy generation and storage. We worked on a collaboration agreement with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, in partnership with the battery company CATL, which we visited in Ningde. Together, we fine-tuned the terms of an agreement for research and development cooperation, as well as training in advanced battery technologies, including the recently announced sodium-based batteries,” explained FCFM Dean Francisco Martínez.
The group also visited CosinSolar, a pioneer in the development of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology. The delegation toured experimental plants and laboratories dedicated to research on thermal energy capture and storage.
Prof. Héctor Ramírez emphasized that this experience opens new paths for cooperation: “These meetings show us how mathematical research can be a key tool in tackling global challenges linked to industry. Chinese companies are at the forefront of clean energy innovation, and building bridges of collaboration with them is a unique opportunity to transfer knowledge, develop technologies, and enhance the application of mathematical sciences.”
Prof. Alejandro Jofré highlighted that the discussions held in China paved the way for concrete collaboration opportunities: “We identified specific areas where we can work together, such as integrating solar energy into agriculture, producing green ammonia, and optimizing battery management through AC-DC coupling. These applications have enormous potential in strategic sectors like mining, energy, and agribusiness—both for Chile and China. Applied mathematics can truly make a difference in improving the efficiency and sustainability of these processes.”
This academic mission is part of FCFM and CMM’s broader strategy to strengthen international cooperation and explore joint projects in line with the Clean Technologies Institute (ITL), reaffirming their commitment to putting mathematics at the service of science, industry, and public policy, with impact both locally and globally.
Finally, Dean Martínez added: “International collaboration is essential to advance the world-class research carried out at FCFM and CMM. China is a key player in the energy and technological transition, and building relationships with leading companies provides a real opportunity to integrate mathematics into industrial innovation. Without a doubt, this contributes to global sustainability and strengthens Chile’s capacity to deliver impactful solutions in critical areas such as energy, mining, and the environment—through mathematics.”
Explore the photo gallery of this activity:
By Cintia Beltrán, CMM Communications
Posted on Oct 7, 2025 in News
