Akademisches Forum Deutschland - Chile

The Chile-Germany Academic Forum is an academic initiative established in 2023 with the aim of strengthening existing links and forging new collaborations between Chilean and German universities. The impetus for the creation of this platform came about as a result of a DAAD-funded trip to Germany for representatives of Chilean universities in 2022. During this trip, the participants expressed the wish to deepen and strengthen the already existing cooperation between Chilean and German universities through the creation of this platform.

The main objective of the Forum is to collaboratively address the threats of climate change in an unpredictable and multipolar world. The participants plan to address these challenges by harnessing interdisciplinary knowledge to develop sustainable, science-based solutions.

The current member universities of the Forum are:

  • KIT
  • Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
  • Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (UC Chile)
  • University of Chile
  • University of Concepción
  • University of Hamburg
  • University of Heidelberg

Events:

1. Virtual Kick-Off (Launch): The official launch of the platform took place at a virtual event.

  • The "Virtual Kick-Off" event on March 24, 2023, officially launched the collaboration platform between German and Chilean institutions. Representatives from the DAAD in Chile, the Universities of Heidelberg, TU Berlin, Hamburg, and KIT highlighted their long-standing partnerships and enthusiasm for the platform's focus on topics like climate change and sustainable development. They emphasized the potential for expanding research networks, strengthening university-industry ties, and fostering multilateral, multidisciplinary collaboration.

    During the public segment of the launch, researchers from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, the University of Concepción, and Universidad de Antofagasta presented papers on renewable energies and material extraction, climate change and the rights of nature, and the circular economy in cities. These presentations underscored the platform's commitment to addressing critical sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary research and international cooperation.

2. First Chile-Germany Academic Forum (Santiago 2023):

  • It was held from 12 to 15 June 2023 in Santiago de Chile.
  • It was organised by Chilean universities.
  • It brought together more than 40 young and senior researchers from both countries.
  • Participants took part in three workshops focused on:
    • Climate Change, Territoriality and Sustainable Governance for Green Transition.
    • Circular Economy, Production Models and Consumption Culture for Sustainability.
    • Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Renewable Energy and Productive Transformation.

3. Next Chile-Germany Academic Forum (Berlin 2025):

  • Following the success of the first event, the next version will be held in Berlin from 16-18 June 2025.
  • It will be organised by the Technische Universität Berlin.
  • It will expand the scope of discussion topics and deepen collaboration.
  • Participants will engage in five workshops focusing on:
    1. Energy, Raw Materials and Resources for Green Transition.
    2. A World in Motion: Climate Change, Territoriality and Migration.
    3. Livable Cities: Resilient Architecture and Urban Development.
    4. Biotechnology and Global Health.
    5. The Frontiers of Science, Arts and Humanities.

University coordinators:

Videos of the Kick-Off 2023 and the 1st Chile-Germany Academic Forum are available:

In summary, the Chile-Germany Academic Forum represents a collaborative effort between universities in Chile and Germany, originating from a trip funded by the DAAD aimed at enhancing academic relationships, particularly in the context of interdisciplinary approaches to climate change. Following a virtual inauguration in 2023, the inaugural in-person forum took place in Santiago in June 2023, featuring workshops focused on critical sustainability topics. The subsequent iteration is scheduled to occur in Berlin in June 2025, with an expansion in both the number and range of workshops offered.