After 14 years leading the Scientific and Technological Center of Valparaíso, researcher Iván Schmidt leaves behind a valuable legacy. In his place, Will Brooks takes on the challenge of leading a new stage for the first basal center in the fifth region.
During the event, both the university authority and members of the outgoing and incoming boards expressed recognition for the work of CCTVal, which since its inception has sought to establish itself as a hub for research, technological development, and the formation of excellent human capital.
During the event, both the university authority and members of the outgoing and incoming boards expressed recognition for the work of CCTVal, which since its inception has sought to establish itself as a hub for research, technological development, and the formation of excellent human capital.
“The CCTVal has played a fundamental role in the development of both our university and the country, through science and the effective connection of engineering work with society, contributing to the international positioning of this institution, demonstrating that Chile has the capacity to contribute significantly to high-level science for the benefit of the world through projects with CERN, as well as notable collaborations such as those established with Jefferson Lab and other relevant projects. The participation of numerous students and researchers in this center reflects its importance and value,” said Rector Juan Yuz.
Science and technology with impact
It was in 2009 when Dr. Iván Schmidt, a professor in the Department of Physics at the Federico Santa María Technical University, decided to undertake an ambitious scientific and technological project with a multidisciplinary team of researchers: the creation of a space that would unite research in particle physics, electronics, and computer science with high engineering work. With this purpose, and after a successful application to the Basal Financing competition of the National Agency for Research and Development (then Conicyt), the Scientific and Technological Center of Valparaíso (CCTVal) was founded, becoming the first basal center of excellence at the university and in the region.
“The initial idea was quite innovative because it involved connecting the most basic science with engineering through experimental physics. And so far, it has been a very interesting challenge because we have achieved important projects and also collaborations with the world’s largest international laboratories,” says Dr. Schmidt.
Fourteen years later, the Center has achieved a series of milestones under its leadership, allowing it to position itself as a hub for research and innovation in Chile and the world, with four main lines of research: Theoretical Particle Physics, Experimental High-Energy Physics, Informatics, and Electronics; and three development areas: Digital Transformation, Industrial Processes, and Design, Simulation, and Manufacturing, all revolving around the generation of knowledge, multidisciplinary projects, and the creation of cutting-edge technology. Alongside this, various initiatives and international collaborations with the most important scientific institutions in Europe and the United States, such as CERN, Jefferson Lab, Fermilab, and Nokia Bell Labs, validate its international performance.
“The CCTVal is now approaching the challenges of industry and society, which are increasing and constantly evolving, and proposes responses to them. We do this by articulating knowledge, research, and engineering, which, during my time at the Center, has been possible thanks to Iván’s ability to understand and embrace new challenges. This has allowed us to embark on a process of improvement and preparation to better connect science with industry and the real problems of society,” says General Manager Rodrigo Pacheco.
In this way, with a valuable legacy of successful initiatives, international alliances, and challenges, Dr. Schmidt steps down as director of CCTVal, a role he has held since its foundation. Additionally, this complements the contribution he has made throughout his career as an academic and researcher, being an outstanding teacher and guide for doctoral projects, author of nearly 400 articles in international journals (works that have been cited over 10,000 times) reflecting his disciplinary relevance. Precisely this work is what he will continue to do, as Dr. Schmidt will remain as a full-time researcher at CCTVal, continuing to contribute to the field of theoretical physics.
“The possibilities for improvement, of course, are still there. I am confident that the Center will continue on a good path, with relevant projects as it has been so far. And I believe that, along with this, the greatest contribution that CCTVal has made is to prepare a lot of young people, people who reach levels of excellence and are the most valuable human part we have. We are a space where the creativity of researchers, engineers, and students is maximized,” he adds.
Taking on the challenge of leading a new stage of the Center is Dr. Will Brooks, a pioneer in experimental particle physics in Chile, a professor in the Department of Physics at USM, and until now, a full-time researcher and board member. With over a decade of work in the country, he has stood out for his significant contributions to experimental physics, with worldwide projects linked to internationally relevant institutions.
“There is a lot of energy, new ideas, and a willingness to work. We are focusing on what is valuable for ANID, such as scientific production, but also on gender equity, requirements specific to a basal project, and, of course, increasing our contacts with industry. We are well positioned to carry out multidisciplinary projects, with a team of engineers covering more than a dozen disciplines and sub-disciplines, along with the competencies and capabilities to execute large innovation projects, create spin-offs, and that’s what we want to aim for. I would like to see more and better multidisciplinary projects emerging from the Center, strengthening ties with national and international industry,” comments Dr. Brooks.
The new management team of CCTVal is completed by Hayk Hakobyan (as deputy director), Christian Romero, Paula Guerra, Carolina Parra, Raquel Pezoa, Claudio Dib, and Werner Kristjanpoller. Together, they will be responsible for leading the execution of the Center’s strategic plan, focusing especially on the renewal of basal financing that will allow the Scientific and Technological Center of Valparaíso to project its next ten years and continue contributing with innovation and technological development to the country.
At the ceremony, the work of researchers Rodolfo Feick, Luis Salinas, Boris Kopeliovich, and Director General of Planning Irene Ortega was also recognized for their valuable contribution as members of the outgoing board of the Center.”
