Students and teachers from the 16 regions of the country, belonging to the Explora Associative Program, presented their scientific projects during a meeting that brought together more than 400 schoolchildren from 5th grade to fourth grade, broadcast throughout Chile, through the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and innovation (MinCiencia).

In Santiago, the Museum of Natural History was the setting to bring together five Explora Projects: Valparaiso, Coquimbo and Metropolitan Region (South East, Poniente and Norte). However, thanks to technology, during the meeting, the participants also connected with students from the cities of Arica, Mussels, Talca and Valdivia, allowing the development of a regional socialization event and offering the opportunity to share experiences associated with research and innovation projects, meet researchers from different areas of knowledge and deepen their feedback in various areas of science.

During the event in Santiago, the representatives of the five Explora Projects had the opportunity to visit the oldest museum in Chile, exchange ideas with specialists in STCI and socialize with their peers the research projects worked on in their educational establishments.

The Undersecretary of Science, Technology, Knowledge and innovation, Carolina Gainza Cortés, highlighted the interest"By decentralize knowledge and that more girls, children and adolescents from the most extreme places can participate. When they are interested in and do research in Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation has a positive effect on educational communities, in the teachers and in the families of each of them."

In addition, highlighted the wide participation of women at the national level."This year, There are 6,647 students. Of that figure, almost four thousand are girls and young women. This is very good news for us because it means that things are changing and that girls feel that in science and research there is a space for them", explained the authority.

Also, Rodrigo González, seremi of the Central Macrozone Zone, who was present in Santiago, expressed his satisfaction with "the realization of a meeting that allows the interaction of students from Arica to Punta Arenas, raising initiatives with a regional relevance and identity, extremely important for the development of their realities. Also, It should be noted that, the Explore Program, plays a fundamental role in the inclusion of children in Science, through integrated action, holistic and generalized".

The meeting was held simultaneously throughout the country, through the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Science, allowing it to expand its coverage throughout the national territory.

The director of the Explora Northern Metropolitan Region Project, led by the Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS ) through the University of Chile and its Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Mario Chiong referred to the event, as a valuable opportunity for all participants to connect and share their knowledge "to learn about the research of other students and from other regions, expands perspectives and underscores the relevance of dialogue. This exchange is essential, so that students develop a critical opinion and solutions to the problems around them and also strengthen the learning process and the construction of shared knowledge".

Experience of participants with the Explora RM Norte seal

Before the event starts, Some students shared their enthusiasm and expectations, among them was Tabata Fuentes, A student from the Farmland School of Curacaví who commented "I hope to take the best experiences and hopefully get the best out of our project".

Also Joaquín Mellada, student of the Colegio Emprender de Lampa said, "From this meeting, I hope to acquire great lessons and connect with research from different regions of the country. I'm especially excited to see that other students are exploring topics like marine flora and mental health.”

On the other hand, Emilia Arriagada, student of the Alexander Fleming School in Las Condes, stressed that, "This event was very enriching for us, We had never had the opportunity to share our work and we did not know this museum either. It was very good to meet other people and their investigations. I feel very happy to be able to represent my team and learn more about my country and its culture."

Also, Joaquín Calderón, student of the Instituto de Cumbre de Cóndores Oriente de Renca, He highly valued the experience of the interregional meeting. He stressed that these spaces allow the development of scientific thinking by interacting with people from different regions and perspectives. Although he was initially nervous to participate in the streaming broadcast through the 16 regions of the country, Joaquín stressed the importance of this event to promote critical thinking, share ideas and enjoy an enriching and entertaining environment.

To conclude Richard Solís, Deputy Director of Extension of the Faculty of Sciences, Chemistries and Pharmaceuticals of the University of Chile, feedback of the Interregional Meeting, He closed by commenting: "I am very pleasantly surprised by the level of all the students and their work. Without a doubt, this space is a great opportunity for them. I hope that these activities will continue to expand and replicate over time.".

It should be noted that these projects, are the result of the "School Research and Innovation" initiative (Iie), an instrument of the Explora Program of the Ministry of Science, obeying an initiative that this year celebrated 29 years of life.