2026 ACCESS Forum
When: 12 - 16 January 2026
Where: Concepción, Chile
Host: Universidad de Concepción
The Universidad de Concepción warmly welcomes you to the 2026 ACCESS Forum in Concepción, Chile.
From 12-16 January 2026, the ACCESS network will bring together Swedish and Chilean academics to connect, collaborate, share, and create knowledge at the 2026 Forum. During this week in Concepción, researchers from both countries will meet to discuss specific topics (Research Themes) related to one or more of the Forum’s SDGs.
Eligible participants include PhD students and early-career researchers as well as mid-career and senior researchers.
SDG Focus Areas
Each ACCESS Forum focuses on a select number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which provide the framework for the Forum Research Themes. The SDG-inspired Research Themes guide the discussions and collaborations among researchers before, during, and after the Forum.
The SDGs selected for the 2026 Forum are:
SDG #3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG #13: Climate Action
SDG #14: Life Below Water
SDG #15: Life on Land
Call for Research Themes
* * * THE APPLICAITON PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED. * * *
We invite all researchers from ACCESS member universities to propose a Research Theme for the 2026 ACCESS Forum.
The ACCESS Forum Research Themes are collaborative, interdisciplinary workshops that bring together Chilean and Swedish researchers to tackle global challenges related to specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Throughout the Forum, researchers collaborate to develop innovative solutions that can make a positive impact on the areas they are studying.
The topics of these workshops (the Research Themes) are proposed by pairs of researchers and then selected by the ACCESS Steering Committee.
Application period: 16 September 2024 - 17 November 2024
Attend the 2026 ACCESS Forum
PhDs, Postdocs, and researchers at all career levels (early, mid, senior) from ACCESS member universities* are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Forum from 12-16 January 2026 in Concepción, Chile.
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Sunday (11 Jan): PhD event (registration required - details available in early 2025)
Monday (12 Jan): Open Plenary; Research Theme workshops; Welcome Dinner
Tuesday (13 Jan): Research Theme workshops; ACCESS Mingle
Wednesday (14 Jan): Research Theme workshops
Thursday (15 Jan): Research Theme workshops; Closing Plenary
Friday (16 Jan): Excursion
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PhDs, Postdocs, and researchers at all career levels (early, mid, senior) from ACCESS member universities* are encouraged to apply to participate in the 2026 Forum from 12-16 January 2026 in Concepción, Chile.
A call for participants, including application instructions, important deadlines, and funding opportunities from ACCESS member universities will be available in early 2025.
*We are evaluating the possibility of expanding the 2026 ACCESS Forum to include PhDs and researchers from Chilean and Swedish universities not currently affiliated with an ACCESS member university. If we can accommodate additional participants, we'll announce it here. Please check back regularly during early 2025 for updates.
Chilean and Swedish government agencies, non-profits, or other organizations that are not current ACCESS partners, including universities that are not current ACCESS members, can learn more about ACCESS and potential participation in the 2026 Forum by contacting ACCESS@er.lu.se.
About the Host
A University Born from Community Aspiration
Founded in 1919, Universidad de Concepción (UdeC) stands as the first university in southern Chile, pioneered outside the capital, Santiago, to address the lack of higher educational institutions in the region. It is deeply rooted in its community and dedicated to fostering academic excellence through a broad spectrum of knowledge, arts, and cultural offerings.
Commitment to Excellence and Innovation
UdeC distinguishes itself by its commitment to academic freedom, international cooperation, and transparency. With 89 undergraduate and over 100 graduate programs across 20 faculties and three campuses, it serves more than 29,000 students. The university is a beacon of interdisciplinary research aimed at tackling global challenges, particularly those related to sustainability and gender equality.
A Hub of Cultural and Scientific Advancement
Recognized as one of Chile’s most prestigious universities, UdeC is a vital player in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. It supports numerous research initiatives at both individual and collaborative levels and has established various scientific and technological centers through local, national, and international partnerships.
Impact on Society
UdeC has cultivated a vast network of alumni whose influence permeates both local and national cultural landscapes, significantly contributing to the sustainable development and enrichment of society.