The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA) was once again selected by the National Research and Development Agency to receive state funding, as part of the 2025 National Applied Research Centers Competition. ANID’s decision endorses the excellent work carried out by its researchers for more than 15 years and ensures its continuity as one of Chile’s main research hubs in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Founded in 2009, CEDENNA has led the development of frontier science, with a strong focus on technology transfer, advanced human capital training and safety in the development and use of nanomaterials.The project is currently led by Universidad Diego Portales as host institution, with the associated participation of five universities: the Universidad de Santiago de Chile, the Universidad de Chile, the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, the Universidad de Tarapacá and Universidad de Talca. This alliance strengthens the center’s national, multidisciplinary and decentralized character, projecting a collaborative ecosystem for scientific and technological development in nanoscience from different regions of the country.
With this award, the center will begin a new stage, strengthening its scientific capabilities and expanding its national impact, with a collaborative model that brings together six universities and a broad network of public and private institutions. The strategic lines it currently develops include energy, mining, the environment, biomedicine, food and nanosafety.
“This award guarantees the continuity of a national project,” said Dr. Dora Altbir, National Prize for Exact Sciences winner and director of CEDENNA.
“Over these years we have shown that Chile can lead in world-class science and technology. Now we are going for more: consolidating our capabilities, developing new technologies and training the new generations who will take this field even further”, she added.
The new funding will improve the center’s infrastructure, boosting technological innovation projects with companies and strengthening its training program for undergraduate and graduate students across the country. It will also continue its pioneering role in nanosafety, an area in which CEDENNA has the first certified laboratory in Latin America.
“This is a key step to position Chile as a leader in technological solutions based on nanoscience. We are betting on science that has an impact on health, energy, food and the environment; in short, that helps improve people’s quality of life and add greater value to the country’s resources”, said Dr. Altbir.
With this renewal, CEDENNA reaffirms its commitment to scientific excellence, responsible innovation and the country’s sustainable development.
