A delegation from the University of California, Davis with representatives from across the university visited Chile in January to renew and invigorate important partnerships. UC Davis and Chile leadership, faculty, government officials and industry representatives discussed agriculture, health, climate, sustainability, human rights, and many other areas. These discussions build on a long history of collaboration and lay the groundwork for future collaborations that are mutually beneficial to UC Davis, Chile, and regional and global interests.

“Chile and California share similar challenges and opportunities as well as deep, historic ties,” said Gary S. May, chancellor of UC Davis. “The meetings and discussions we had while in Chile were inspiring and informative. Importantly, they opened concrete avenues for further collaboration between our institutions in both research and education.”

A Long, Productive Relationship

UC Davis’s relationship with Chile dates back to the 1960s and has spanned a range of fields from agriculture and engineering to the humanities and social sciences. UC Davis currently has eight active agreements of cooperation with Chilean universities and more than 400 joint scientific publications over the past five years.

One of our key partnerships, has been the UC Davis Chile Life Sciences Innovation Center, which promotes joint research as well as educational and extension opportunities that benefit both Chile and California. The Center was co-founded in 2015 by Alan Bennett, UC Davis distinguished professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and director of PIPRA, with funding from Corporación de Fomento de la Producción de Chile, private sponsors and academic partners and was hosted by Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello.

Since its inception, more than 100 researchers, academics, and staff from UC Davis have worked with the Center in science outreach and extension, research, and R&D projects, and more than 70 researchers from Chilean partner institutions have participated in the Center’s activities. To date, the Center has spearheaded more than 60 projects and has garnered nearly $8 million USD in technology and service contracts with companies and public institutions. Moreover, its work has generated four patent applications related to bioproducts and over 40 research publications in scientific journals.

Laying the Groundwork for Further Collaboration

This visit and exchange are part of a growing relationship between UC Davis and Chile. While in Chile, UC Davis signed a research and technology agreement with the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture. This agreement will facilitate access to information and technologies that contribute to sustainable development and increase the resilience of forestry and livestock. It will also advance the development of faculty and students through exchange programs.

The visit included important discussions at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello on global challenges related to climate change; One Health; and diversity, equity and inclusion. At the University of Chile, delegates also strategized about collaborative research opportunities and potential areas of future growth.

UC Davis representatives also connected with alumni and friends at a reception hosted by the United States Embassy. Ambassador Bernadette Meehan and Chancellor Gary S. May provided opening remarks.

“We are grateful to everyone who welcomed us so warmly during our visit,” said Joanna Regulska, vice provost and dean of Global Affairs. “As partner institutions engaged in a mission of teaching, research and service for the greater public good, we share a common interest in developing solutions for our most pressing global challenges and in preparing all students to become collaborative and inclusive leaders. We look forward to continuing to think about ways we can make a larger impact together.”