Last Thursday, April 4th, the Internal Seminar of the Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, AC3E, took place at the Novotel in Viña del Mar. This is an annual event that brings together the entire team to learn about the latest developments, participate in dynamic activities, and plan collaborative work.

The event was attended by the management team and members from the Research, Technology Transfer, Operations, and Communications Units, who presented part of their work and the new challenges for the upcoming period.

The director of AC3E, Dr. Héctor Ramírez, opened the day with a presentation that addressed the focus guiding AC3E’s work in this new period. He explained that it will aim to “promote technological advancement and the competitiveness of the Chilean economy, improving the well-being of society through excellence in applied and interdisciplinary research in electrical and electronic engineering, with a focus on sustainability, gender equity, global collaboration, and the promotion of science and technology to address critical challenges and offer impactful solutions.”

He further added, “This is more than just a speech; it is the DNA of what we want to do, and there are not many other institutions capable of doing it. Therefore, we have a social responsibility to execute this mission in the best possible way, leading advancements in electrical and electronic engineering through cutting-edge and sustainable technologies that react to industries, improve social well-being, and establish an international benchmark for excellent innovation.”

Following him, the deputy director of AC3E, Dr. Pamela Guevara, focused her presentation on the link between research and industry and how this is essential for generating high-impact projects. “Conducting research with some application, a product, something that can serve the industry. Some technologies may be very nascent, but the important thing is that we move forward and develop them based on what the industry requires,” she pointed out.

Later, it was the turn of the general manager, Oscar Solar, who presented the financial balance and projections in relation to the new projects that AC3E must pursue. To conclude the morning session, the Operations and Communications Unit presented information regarding logistical and financial aspects, as well as the scientific outreach activities that will be carried out during the year.

Dr. Samir Kouro, researcher and Communications coordinator at AC3E, detailed how the engagement work between AC3E and its target audiences will be carried out and the importance of establishing solid channels to publicize the center’s work to society.

After a networking lunch, it was the turn of the Development Unit. Gonzalo Gallo, the head of this unit, presented the area’s projects and the individuals in charge of each one. To end the session, the coordinators of the Impact Areas were introduced: Dr. Marcos Orchard in Smart Industry, Margarita Norambuena in Energy and Power Systems, and Matías Zañartu in Health Technologies, who will be responsible for guiding the actions in each of these areas.

This new version of the Internal Seminar 2025 concluded with a dinner to share and reflect on everything discussed during the day.