After a successful day of work presentations by students at CECs, the “Be a scientist for a fortnight” program came to a close.

Participating in this year’s program were 15 high school students from different educational establishments in Valdivia, San José de la Mariquina, Osorno and Santiago. They took part in educational activities in the three areas of scientific research at CECs: Biology, Theoretical Physics and Glaciology and Climate Change.

Students worked in the laboratories, together with CECs scientists, their tutors for the program. Work findings were shared on the closing day of the program, with students giving high quality presentations. Diverse projects were presented in the field of Biology, tackling topics such as: the characterisation of laboratory research models, the development of biosensors, cell proliferation markers, ion channels and their role in our bodies. In Theoretical Physics, one study of black holes was presented, which included general relativity and thermodynamics. And finally, in the area of Glaciology and Climate Change, the melting of glaciers was the study topic presented. After sharing their results, students responded well to questions from others in attendance, showing that they had each gained a good grasp of their respective work topics.

Dr. Felipe Barros, program coordinator, was very pleased with the outcome, stating that: “The program was a success and presentations were of a high standard. We are pleased to see that together with the careful work done by students, there was also great enthusiasm and a passion for science”. Francisca Pérez, who worked in the Glaciology and Climate Change laboratory added: “We have been very happy over these two-and-a-half weeks, it has been a great experience, and we are leaving feeling very grateful for everything we have been through here”.

The day ended with students being presented with certificates attesting to the outstanding participation of each of them, who as a group showed consistent effort and dedication in advancing the program’s activities.