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Agreement Signed with Chile's Antofagasta Region on Astronomy and Space Science
On June 11, 2025, the School of Science at the University of Tokyo signed an academic collaboration agreement with the Government of the Antofagasta Region in northern Chile. The agreement aims to promote academic exchange and cooperation in a wide range of fields, including astronomy and space science. The signing ceremony took place at UTokyo's Hongo Campus, attended by Dean Shin-ichi Ohkoshi and Governor Ricardo Diaz, along with representatives from both Chile and Japan.
The Antofagasta Region administers San Pedro de Atacama, where the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) is located. With the signing of this agreement, TAO will promote educational and research activities in various fields, including astronomy, with the Antofagasta Region and San Pedro de Atacama.
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▲Signing ceremony: Shin-ichi Ohkoshi, Dean of the School of Science (left), and Ricardo Diaz, Governor of Antofagasta Region (right) |
In addition to the representatives from both sides, From Chile, Dr. Eduardo Unda (Director of the Observatory Center at the University of Antofagasta) and H.E. Mr. Ricardo Rojas (Ambassador of Chile to Japan) were present. From the University of Tokyo, Professor Yoshihisa Yoshii, Principal Investigator of the TAO Project, Professor Kotaro Kono, Director of the Institute of Astronomy, and Professor Takashi Miyata, TAO Project Manager, were in attendance.
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▲Group photo (from left to right): Professor Takashi Miyata, Dr. Eduardo Unda (Director of Observatory Center), Professor Emeritus Yuzuru Yoshii, Dean Shin-ichi Ohkoshi, Governor Ricardo Diaz, Ambassador Ricardo Rojas, Professor Kotaro Kohno, and Mr. Pablo Rojas (Governor's Secretary) |
Before the signings, greeting speeches were given by Dean Ohkoshi, Governor Diaz, President Cikutovic of the University of Antofagasta (read by Dr. Unda), and Ambassador Rojas.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the signing of a Ugreement between the Antofagasta Region of the Republic of Chile and the School of Science at the University of Tokyo regarding academic exchange and cooperation in a wide range of fields, including astronomy and space science. The TAO Project, which has been promoted by the University of Tokyo for over 20 years in San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region, is finally nearing completion. This would not have been possible without the deep understanding and cooperation of the people of Antofagasta Region, including Governor Ricardo Diaz, who is here with us today, as well as the support of the Chilean astronomical community. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude. As the School of Science at the University of Tokyo, we are committed to contributing to educational and research activities in Antofagasta Region and San Pedro de Atacama , not only in astronomy but also in various other fields, to further deepen exchanges, and to work together to achieve world-leading results.
Dean Shin-ichi Ohkoshi, the School of Science at the University of Tokyo
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It is an honor to be here today, at the University of Tokyo, an institution that embodies the best of scientific thought, technological innovation, and commitment to sustainable development. As Governor of Antofagasta, a region located in northern Chile, I deeply share those same aspirations. I am proud to announce that we have signed an Agreement with the School of Science of the University of Tokyo to promote cooperation in research, talent training, and knowledge transfer. Furthermore, we would like to express our deep gratitude for the progress made in the process of relocation cooperation mini TAO telescope used by the TAO project in our region, an instrument that symbolizes the link between our lands and the exploration of the universe. Thanks generous support, scientists in Antofagasta will be able to strengthen their astronomical research capabilities, generating knowledge from our own region. We believe in collaborative research, ethical leadership, and the need to connect local knowledge with global challenges.
Governor Ricardo Diaz, Antofagasta Region
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The relocation cooperation of mini TAO telescope to our institution is an act of generosity and, at the same time, a profound gesture of confidence in the value of international cooperation and scientific exchange between universities and research centers in both countries. This telescope, which will soon be relocated at the University of Antofagasta's Astronomical Center, will contribute significantly to the development of astronomy in northern Chile, an area privileged by its skies and exceptional natural conditions for observing the universe. We are convinced that science advances when bridges are built between nations, when knowledge, experiences, and technologies are shared, and when the common interest in understanding our environment overcomes geographical and cultural barriers. In this sense, the joint work between our institutions represents a concrete example of how international academic cooperation can generate positive, lasting, and far-reaching impacts. In this sense, the joint work between our institutions represents a concrete example of how international academic cooperation can generate positive, lasting, and far-reaching impacts. Likewise, this collaboration opens new doors for academic exchange, mobility of researchers and students, and the construction of networks that enhance the development of knowledge in areas that are key to the contemporary world. Astronomy is undoubtedly one of them. It allows us not only to look beyond, but also to question our place in the universe, cultivate critical thinking, and awaken scientific vocations in new generations. We hope that this alliance will be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between our institutions, based on mutual respect, ongoing dialogue, and joint work for the advancement of knowledge.
President Cikutovic, the University of Antofagasta
read by Dr. Eduardo Unda, Director of Observatory Center
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