The director of the CEDENNA Center Program, Dr. Juliano Casagrande Denardin, recently published in Radio Cooperativa the opinion column titled “September: a month for nanotechnology and an opportunity for Chile”, in which he reflects on our country’s role in a discipline that is transforming the present and future of humanity.
In September, nanotechnology conferences multiply in different parts of the world —from Rome and Paris to Dubai and Singapore—, bringing together thousands of researchers, academics and industry representatives. These meetings address topics as diverse as food security, precision medicine, the energy transition or climate change mitigation, showing that nano has become one of the engines of contemporary science.
In his column, Dr. Denardin notes that Chile takes part in this global scenario, with active research centers and lines of work in areas such as nanosafety, new materials and biomedical applications, but a decisive leap is still needed to position ourselves as international references.
“The challenge is twofold: to keep producing excellent science and, at the same time, to accelerate its translation into public policies, regulatory frameworks and industrial solutions. Today Chile lacks a robust national nanotechnology strategy,” he says.
The invitation is clear: nanotechnology is not only science, but also a strategic component of development. To take advantage of its potential in areas such as agriculture, health or energy, what is needed is political will, sustained investment and real coordination between the State, academia and industry.
