Three Chilean students had an unforgettable experience in Sweden as part of the "Explore Nobel" initiative: from Chile to Sweden", promoted by the Association of Chilean Researchers in Sweden (AICHiS). Michelle Manzanares, Yamil Niño de Guzmán and Francisca Ulloa, from public schools in Camiña and Pudahuel, were accompanied by prominent representatives of the Chilean scientific field, Like Dr. Sergio Lavandero, National Prize of Natural Sciences 2022, professor at the University of Chile and president-elect of the Chilean Academy of Sciences for the period 2025-2027, and Francisca Quintana, Ministry of Science.

During your stay in Stockholm, The students participated in activities that allowed them to learn about world-class science up close. The agenda included visits to museums, State-of-the-art laboratories, prestigious universities and the historic hall where the Nobel Assembly selects the laureates.

The most exciting moment was his meeting with Victor Ambros, one of the winners of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology, who together with Gary Ruvkun are responsible for the discovery of the microRNA, Key molecules in gene regulation and the development of therapies for complex diseases.

From left to right: Victor Ambros, one of the winners of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology; Francisca Ulloa, Michelle Manzanares, Yamil Niño de Guzmán, students participating in "Explore Nobel"; Sergio Lavandero, National Science Award 2022 and Gustavo Monasterio, Vice President of AICHiS.

"It was an extraordinary week, full of learning and emotions. These young people had the opportunity to live experiences that can mark the course of their scientific lives", said Dr. Lavandero, scientific advisor to the PAR Explora RM Norte.

A milestone for Chilean science

The impact of the trip was not limited to the students. On behalf of the Chilean Academy of Sciences, Dr. Lavandero signed a collaboration agreement with AICHiS, an agreement that seeks to strengthen ties between Chilean researchers in Sweden and Chile.

"The main objective of this agreement is to create scientific collaboration networks that promote joint projects and the exchange of knowledge between both nations, promoting the development of Chilean science at an international level", explained Sergio Lavandero, Director of the Center for advanced chronic diseases (ACCDiS ).

Explore Nobel: A dream come true

The idea of "Explora Nobel" was born a year ago at AICHiS and came to fruition thanks to a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Science, the Center for advanced chronic diseases (ACCDiS ), and the logistical support of the Embassy of Chile in Sweden.

Gustavo Monasterio, vice-president of AICHiS and academic at the Karolinska Institute, He stressed that this is the first time that high school students have access to such a unique experience: "We want to open the doors of the Nobel to young people interested in science to inspire them to pursue scientific careers. This experience will be replicated in 2025, thanks to the support of the Swedish company Scania".

Welcome ceremony and future projection

On his return to Chile, students will be honored in a ceremony organized by the Chilean Academy of Sciences and ACCDiS, on Sunday, December 15 at 3 p.m.:00 hours. The activity will be held in a hybrid format (face-to-face and virtual) and will be attended by scientific authorities, academic and public.

In addition to sharing their experiences, the agreement between the Chilean Academy of Sciences and AICHiS will be officially announced, marking the beginning of a new stage of scientific collaboration between Chile and Sweden.