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The Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Chile took part in the XV edition of Congreso Futuro, held between January 12 and 17, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening dialogue among science, citizens, and public policy.
Once again, the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) joined Congreso Futuro, the leading science outreach event in Latin America. The 2026 edition brought together approximately 65,000 registered participants nationwide and exceeded 110,000 digital views across its broadcast platforms.
The opening ceremony took place at the National Congress building in Santiago and was attended by CMM Director Prof. Héctor Ramírez, alongside Prof. Alejandro Maass, recipient of the 2025 National Prize for Exact Sciences and principal investigator at CMM.
Throughout the five-day event, CMM hosted an institutional stand showcasing its main fundamental and applied research lines. The space also featured part of the scientific infrastructure associated with CMM, including Copernicus LAC Chile, ALeRCE, and the National Laboratory for High Performance Computing (NLHPC). These initiatives illustrated how mathematical modeling and data science contribute to addressing strategic challenges in areas such as ocean sciences, space research, and large-scale data analysis.
The stand welcomed researchers, students, families, and members of the general public, fostering direct dialogue about the role of mathematics in everyday life and public decision-making. It was also visited by the Rector of the University of Chile, Prof. Rosa Devés Alessandri.
In addition, Senator Francisco Chahuán, President of the Senate Committee on Future Challenges, Science, Technology and Innovation, visited the stand. On that occasion, the senator emphasized that many of the discussions initiated within this forum have historically led to concrete transformations. “This is not merely a space for conversation; from these reflections emerge ideas that later become legislative initiatives, as occurred with the Food Labeling Law, the Neuro-rights Law, and the 60 minutes of physical activity incorporated into the school system,” he stated.
One of the highlights of CMM’s participation was the lecture delivered by 2025 National Prize in Exact Sciences laureate Alejandro Maass, entitled “From DNA Scaling Up to the Environment.” In his presentation, the researcher examined how genomics, ocean science, and data science converge to understand complex phenomena spanning from molecular processes to global environmental dynamics. Maass underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of scientific capabilities in Chile to address challenges such as the study of marine microorganisms, which play a fundamental role in oxygen production and carbon capture on a planetary scale.
Outreach, Engagement, and Public Commitment
CMM’s participation in Congreso Futuro 2026, through its researchers and scientific infrastructure, reflected coordinated efforts aimed at strengthening dialogue between mathematics and society.
In this regard, CMM Director Prof. Héctor Ramírez highlighted the relevance of such platforms for the public projection of mathematics: “The mission of CMM is to develop new mathematics that contribute to solving problems arising from other scientific disciplines, the productive sector, and public policy, as well as to contribute to mathematics education at all levels. Participating in Congreso Futuro enables us to make this work visible in a forum that is unique within the Chilean scientific ecosystem. Each year, we join with great enthusiasm and a firm commitment to underscore the value of mathematical knowledge and to demonstrate how both fundamental and applied research can respond to the needs of the country and society.”
As part of CMM’s institutional presence, the stand was coordinated by Eduardo Vera, Head of Public Engagement; Diego Olguín, Outreach Officer; and Cristián Murillo, External Engagement and Design Lead, who worked collaboratively throughout the largest science and knowledge dissemination event in Latin America.
Olguín further noted:“Over the five days of the Congress, we sought to create an open space for dialogue, where researchers and professionals from the center could engage with students, families, and the general public. Our goal is for people to understand that mathematical modeling is not an abstract discipline, but a tool that directly impacts public decision-making and everyday life.”
Congreso Futuro 2026 was organized by the Encuentros del Futuro Foundation, the Senate of Chile, the Chilean Academy of Sciences, and universities across the country. CMM’s participation was supported by the ANID Basal Project FB210005.
Written by Cintia Beltrán, Communications, CMM.
Posted on Jan 26, 2026 in News
