During the commemoration ceremony, outstanding graduates were recognized.

With the presence of more than 70 people, the Chemistry program at the University of La Serena commemorated, in a solemn ceremony, its 60 years of training professionals of excellence in science. The event was attended by the Rector, Dr. Luperfina Rojas; the Vice-Rector for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Héctor Cuevas; and the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Dr. Luis Palma Chilla.

The Director of the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Iván Fernández, expressed gratitude to those who have left a mark on the career in these 60 years.

During the event, a new Chemistry laboratory was inaugurated on the Andrés Bello Campus, where studies can be carried out and knowledge shared with undergraduate students. In this regard, Dr. Álvaro Delgadillo, Director of the School of Chemistry, highlighted that one of the ongoing investigations is a Fondecyt project, financed by ANID, whose objective is to design, prepare and evaluate new molecules capable of sequestering carbon dioxide from the air using light as a remedial measure to address global warming and climate change.

“In terms of equipment, the laboratory has all the traditional equipment necessary for the preparation of chemical compounds, as well as a vacuum line that is used for the preparation of air-sensitive species. In addition, it has equipment to study the electrochemical and spectroscopic behavior of these new materials,” Delgadillo explained.

The event featured a keynote talk by the Vice-Rector for Research, Dr. Héctor Cuevas, on particle physics applied to Chemistry.

Graduates who have stood out for their successes as professionals and their constant support for the ULS School of Chemistry were also recognized: Eduardo Marinel, Hugo Galleguillos, Jaime Pozo and Héctor Cuevas.