The government defined the creation of a fund for more than 40 million pesos to finance research projects in the Antarctica, after an agreement signed by the National Research and Innovation Agency (ANII), the Uruguayan Antarctic Institute (IAU) and the University of the Republic (Udelar).
The president of the ANII, Flavio Caiafa, He highlighted that the initiative not only stimulates research on key issues for the country, but also “represents a great opportunity to International cooperation”.
Meanwhile, the president of the IAU board of directors, Fernando Colina, considered that the proposal “offers new opportunities for a quality science, with people who do this activity, with a lot of dedication and affection and leave the prestige of our country high.”
In turn, the rector of Udelar, Rodrigo Arim, highlighted the relevance of joint work between institutions with different roles within the science and technology system.
What does the fund finance and how to access it?
As specified by the Executive, a few weeks before the president’s trip Luis Lacalle Pou to the white continent, the fund will use resources from the ANII and Udelar to finance projects in all areas of scientific investigation, for a total of more than 40 million pesos to carry out the different works.
In turn, the IAU’s contribution will cover all logistical aspects, such as transfer of researchers since Montevideo to the Antarctic Treaty area and the bills accommodation, food, medical assistance and specific training.
The first mission is planned for 2025 and includes trips and stays in the Antarctica, although the details will be announced in due course by the fund organizations.
Those interested in presenting their project must be nominated to the Antarctic Research Sector Fund, to be contemplated in the campaigns in said territory.
Source: Ambito
