2026 ACCESS Forum

Hosted by:

Forum Program

For Workshop Participants
(coming soon)

For ACCESS Member Universities
& External Guests

1. Decoding Cardiometabolic Diseases: From Basic Sciences to Translational Medicine

2. Innovation for personalized healthcare

3. Migrations, displacements, and diasporas in Chile and Sweden

4. Natural and Human-Induced Pressures on Biodiversity: Impacts and Assessment

5. Nature-based Tourism and Cryosphere Conservation: Climate, Gaps and Actions

6. Resilient plants for the future: Lessons learned from challenging environments

7. Soil Health: Sustainable management of rhizosphere resources in Sweden and Chile

8. Sustainable food and water systems in Chile and Sweden

9. Sustainable resource management under climate pressure: Blue-green pathways for water quality, food production, and climate adaptation

10. Sustainable seafood production provide food security in a changing world

11. Sustainable water management: Monitoring, treatment, and reuse of resources

12. Tackling childhood obesity by mobilizing society towards prevention

13. The Politics of the Low-emission Energy Transition (POLTRANS)

Plenary Session Presentations

NOTE: This section contains only the formal visual presentations (PowerPoint slids) delivered during these sessions. Please be aware that not all segments of the ceremonies utilized slides.

Opening Ceremony ( 12 Jan 2026)

• Keynote Presentation: Instituto Océanos – Prof. Renato Quiñones

• Funding Opportunities (Chile & Sweden):

  • Carlos Ladrix, National Agency for Research and Development (ANID)

  • Madeleine Durbeej-Hjalt, Swedish Research Council (VR)

  • Charlotte Grawitz, EURAXESS

Closing Session Materials (15 Jan 2026)

• Workshop Summary Presentations

• Invitation to 2027 ACCESS Forum

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.