About ACCESS Our leadership Members & Partners
Research Themes Focus Areas
2027 Forum Past Forums
Funding
Academic Collaboration Chile Sweden

2026 ACCESS Forum

Hosted by:

Forum Program

For Workshop Participants
(coming soon)

For ACCESS Member Universities
& External Guests

 

2026 Forum Research Themes

 
 

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):

Closing Session Materials (15 Jan 2026)

 
 

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.

 

Contact Us with Questions

Forum Logistics & PhD Event: Universidad de Concepción
Becoming an ACCESS member: ACCESS Coordinator

Campus-Naturaleza-10-scaled.jpg

2026 Forum Information & Application Form

ACCESS invites academics to apply to participate in the upcoming Forum.
Thirteen interdisciplinary Research Themes have been selected for the ACCESS Forum 2024.

Click here to read more about each Research Theme.

Please note: The selected Research Themes must attract a minimum of 5 participants, from a minimum of 3 ACCESS universities, otherwise it will be canceled.

How to Apply

Preliminary Program for Researchers

APPLY HERE

The application deadline is 21 April 2025.

  • The ACCESS Forum is open to researchers from all research fields.

    Participants can be senior researchers, early career researchers* and PhD-students.

    Participants who are currently employed at one of the 17 ACCESS universities are given priority.

    *An early career researcher has been awarded their PhD within the last 8 years.

  • 21 April 2025

  • ACCESS Forum Research Themes are unique, interdisciplinary workshops that aim to bring together researchers from a variety of disciplines in order to share knowledge related to the Research Theme and discuss challenges facing our world. As the participants come from a wide range of academic disciplines, you can expect to learn new perspectives and methods to tackle the challenges inherent in your Research Theme. At its core, ACCESS is aimed at building networks and connections between Sweden and Chile to support sustainability research to better our world.

    You should not expect an ACCESS Forum to mimic a normal academic conference, in which all participants are experts on a specific niche discipline. Instead, ACCESS intentionally breaks down the barriers to bring together perspectives across the academic sphere and spanning across continents. The goal is to create new interdisciplinary networks of researchers who can collaborate further after the Forum through shared research data, grant applications, joint coursework, university visits and more.

    All of our Research Themes are based in one or several of the SDG focus areas we have for the Forum 2024 which are: SDG 3, 11, 14, 15, and 16. Read more about these here.

  • Due to space limitations, participation in the Forum is limited. Participation is therefore not guaranteed, even if you have your own funding source.

    There will be an internal selection process done by each university and the ACCESS Steering Committee, with feedback given from the PIs of the Research Themes. This selection process will take into account the applicant's motivation for participating in their selected Research Theme and their deemed relevance to the theme.

    The selection process will also attempt to ensure a diversification of participants in regards to gender balance, ACCESS-universities represented and a balanced number of PhD, young and experienced researchers.

    Selected participants will be informed of the decision in mid-late December 2023. 

Is there travel funding available?

Funding for travel expenses is available for participants*, but the amount varies depending on the ACCESS university, as each university is responsible for their own participant funding. It is also possible to participate with your own funding.

*Note: This does not apply to applicants from Uppsala University, Stockholm University, or Södertörn University, as the Forum is being held in Stockholm.

For all other applicants, please contact your local ACCESS coordinator for more information about funding amounts and processes for your university.

Supplementary applications for funding from some ACCESS Universities:

Please be aware that your ACCESS university may have a supplemental application you will be asked to fill in regarding this funding. If so, you will find the link below. It is important that you fill in both the general application for participation and this supplementary application if you are employed by one of the below-listed universities.

Gothenburg University

Lund University

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Universidad de Chile

Universidad de Concepción

Universidad de la Frontera

Universidad de O’Higgins

 

 Practical Information for Participants

* * * K e y A r ri v a l D a t es * * *

PhDs are strongly recommended to arrive by Saturday, January 10, 2026 (for the Jan 11 PhD event)

All other participants are advised to arrive by Sunday, January 11, 2026.

 

International Flights to Concepción

Flights from Sweden to Concepción require a stop in Santiago. International flights arrive at the International Terminal (Terminal 2) of the airport Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) in Santiago.

Passengers arriving from abroad are required to pick up their baggage upon arrival at Santiago, pass through the customs and SAG (Agricultural and Livestock Service) inspection, and then proceed to the National Terminal (Terminal 1) for connecting flights to Concepción.

Passengers must check in their baggage again for the connecting flight in the check-in area (located on the third floor of Terminal 1). Under no circumstances can baggage be checked through directly to Concepción from abroad.

Flying From Santiago to Concepción

The airport in Concepción, Carriel Sur (CCP), is located 5 kilometers to the Northwest of the city.

From the airport to the city:

  • · Shuttles (shared vans for 6 people). Fare: about 10.000 CLP (Chilean pesos) per person.

  • · Taxis to downtown. Fare: about 15.000 CLP (Chilean pesos).

  • January is summer, with mostly sunny days and warm weather.

    Daily maximum temperatures range between 18°C and 22 °C.

    Daily minimum temperatures range between 8°C and 12°C.

  • In Chile the electrical current used is 220 volts, 50 Hertz. The electrical plug standard is Type C and Type L.

  • The time zone in Concepcion in December corresponds to daylight saving time CLST (Chile Summer Time) UTC/GMT -3 hour.

  • Chile's official currency is Peso ($). 1 EUR is equivalent to $1.050 (the exchange rate fluctuates). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks or currency exchange bureaus, most of them located in downtown Concepción.

    It might be a good idea to get some Chilean pesos but most of the establishments accept credit cards, mainly Visa and MasterCard.

  • In Concepcion tap water is safe to drink. However, we recommend you avoid risks because it may include minerals and sediments unknown to your organism and to consume bottled water.

  • The city of Concepción is relatively safe, so you can walk through its streets during the day, always keeping an eye on your belongings. We do not recommend using public transportation, being in the center of Concepción the distances are walkable and public transportation only accepts cash.

    In the late afternoon we recommend using private transportation (taxi or transfer).

Accommodation

Aurelio Hotel (Standard)
Phone: (56) (41) 2293-000
reservas@@aureliohotel.cl
web page

Diego de Almagro Concepción (Standard)
Phone: (56) (41) 2403-600
centraldereservas@dahoteles.com
web page

Hotel Terrano (Standard)
Phone: (56) (41) 2240-078
reservas@hotelterrano.cl
web page

Mercure (Standard Plus)
Phone: (56) (41) 2748-100
catarina.queiroga@accor.com
web page

University

The Concepción Campus of the Universidad de Concepción is in the Ciudad Universitaria (University City), has an area of 2,927,647 m2, of which 171,613 m2 are build. The University is presented to the world as a center for the creation of knowledge, culture, science, technology and research.

 
 
imagen universidad 025.jpg

* * * THE APPLICAITON PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED. * * *

Call for Research Themes (RTs) 

We invite researchers from ACCESS member universities to propose Research Themes (RTs) for the 2026 ACCESS Forum.

You can get an overview of the application process by watching this video, however, we strongly recommend that you carefully review the contents below before applying.

 

Application Process

***Learn more about the application process in this video***

  1. Understand the Types of Proposals we are looking for.

  2. Determine if your idea aligns with one or more of ACCESS’ Focus Areas.

  3. Read the Eligibility Criteria below to determine if you can submit a RT proposal.

  4. Review the Selection Criteria below.

  5. Apply no later than 17 November 2024. - WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

  • Proposals should align with ACCESS' goals, involve diverse participants, be relevant to current research, and have a well-planned structure.

    The ACCESS Steering Committee acknowledges the importance of both new and existing collaborations and therefore warmly welcomes submissions in both categories: 

    New Research Themes (RTs)

    For new RTs not previously selected in previous Forums, we strongly encourage applicants to have a strategy for broad institutional participation and a Research Theme that is relevant for both Chile and Sweden.

    Existing Collaborations (within or oustide ACCESS)

    For existing collaborations (within or outside ACCESS) we strongly encourage a strategy for broad institutional participation and a relevant Research Theme for both Chile and Sweden. For existing collaborations and/or RTs selected for a previous Forum, extra attention will be given to the potential of the proposed initiative to develop its activities beyond the Forum.

    Therefore, we strongly advise previous ACCESS Research Themes/working groups to show a clear development from the last ACCESS Forum and to describe the continued need of ACCESS for the Research Theme/working group’s development. 

  • The 2026 Forum will focus on the following SDGs:

    • 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

  • Individuals who wish to submit a proposal for a RT must fulfill the following criteria:

    • include one researcher from a Chilean member university and one researcher from a Swedish member univerity

    • both researchers must be employed by an ACCESS member university

    • both researchers must hold a PhD

  • Research Theme proposals will be assessed by the ACCESS Steering Committee based on the following criteria: 

    • Appeal: The Research Theme format has high potential to attract attendees from the institutions involved and its contents can be broadly disseminated and understood.

    • Relevance: The Research Theme raises and discusses issues important to the specific SDG using experience and knowledge from both the Chilean and the Swedish context. 

    • Clarity of Objectives: The intended outcomes of the Research Theme are easily understood.

    • Impact Potential: The Research Theme should demonstrate the potential to develop collaborations and new connections/activities both during and beyond the Forum.

    • Interdisciplinarity: The proposal encourages researchers from different academic disciplines to participate in the session. 

    Furthermore, the selection committee will take the following aspects into consideration for the final decision:

    • Leadership: The PI:s in the selected Research Themes in terms of: gender and institutions represented.

    • Seniority: The PI:s should be mix of early career researchers* and senior researchers.

    • Size: If the selected Research Theme is not able to attract more than 5 participants the Research Theme will be canceled**.

    • Representation: The selected Research Theme must have participants from a minimum of 3 ACCESS-universities otherwise it will be canceled**.  

    *An early career researchers should been awarded their PhD within the last 8 years.

    **This will be determined after the Call for the Participation in the selected Research Themes, which will take place in Spring 2025.

APPLICATION PERIOD CLOSED

Application Period: 16 September 2024 to 17 November 2024

 
 

Important Dates for Applicants

16 Sep 2024 | Call for Research Themes (RTs) Opens

2 Oct 2024 | Forum Kick-Off & Call for Research Themes (webinar recording)

17 Nov 2024 | Application Deadline

Dec 2024 | Applicant Notification of Results

 
 

Accepted Proposals

Once selected, RT proposers (referred to as PIs or workshop leaders moving forward) will be responsible for several activities related to the design and implementation of their workshop.

These responsibilities begin before the Forum and continue after the Forum.

Jan 2025 | Participant Selection: Process Overview (digital meeting, date TBD)

May 2025 | Participant Selection: Application Review (digital meeting, date TBD)

Sep 2025 | Forum Info Session for PIs (digital meeting, date TBD)

Nov 2025 | Forum Welcome for all participants and PIs (digital meeting, date TBD)

Jan 2026 | ACCESS Forum: 12-16 Jan 2026 (Concepción, Chile)

Below are the main responsibilities of the workshop PIs:

  • WORKSHOP DESIGN

    The PIs must plan, design and host the Research Theme (scientific sessions, panel discussion, brainstorming for collaboration, poster session, etc).

    PIs are responsible to submit a detailed programme of the workshop a minimum of 3 months before the Forum.

    PARTICIPANT SELECTION

    PIs will be asked to review the applications from individuals interested in joining their workshop. This process will take place in May 2025.

    The final selection of participants will be made by the ACCESS Steering Committee, but the input from member universities as well as the PIs will be taken into consideration as each stakeholder will provide feedback based on their expertise (e.g., subject matter expertise (PI), availablity of funding (ACCESS members), etc.).

    • The PIs will be responsible for the design and execution of their workshop during the Forum. This includes preparing materials, activities, and preparing the participants for the Forum (e.g., coordinating a digital pre-Forum meeting)

    • The PIs must plan for a 5 min presentation the last day of the Forum showcasing the outcomes from the Research Theme.

    • The PIs must submit a final report about the outcomes from the Forum. The report will be shared in the Forum final report.

    • Follow-up with RT participants to ensure they complete the 2024 ACCESS Forum evaluation form.

    • Complete a post-Forum for PIs (a separate evaluation from the general evaluation form which PIs are required to complete as well)

    • The PIs have a responsbility to help develop their working group post-forum to the best of their abilities. This includes follow-up on planned post-Forum activities (e.g., joint applications, meetings, etc.).

 

Questions? Contact us at ACCESS@er.lu.se

CampanilBanderas.jpg