The inauguration of the complex at the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (FCFM) counted with a strong participation of the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM). Not only researchers and other members of the Center attended the event but also more of the half of the innovation exhibited were developed by CMM teams.
“Beauchef 851 represents the best of the university work in Chile in terms of research, teaching and transfer. It imposes a new standard within the academy”, stressed Alejandro Jofré, CMM director.
The portable ultrasound scanner, with low cost and 800 grams weight, and the mobile monitoring station (MMS), a sensor-filled jacket that keeps track of vital signs, were shown in the middle of the main courtyard of the new buildings, where is located CMM.
“It was a privilege to align ourselves with the leap into the future that is taking the University of Chile in order to offer to the country technology development. As Beauchef 851, we have many challenges. We aim to transform the portable ultrasound into the stethoscope of the future and soon into the seed of a hub innovation for medical devices in Chile”, highlighted Carlos Conca, CMM researcher and leader of the developer team of the portable ultrasound.
“These events oriented towards the community contribute to build awareness of the fact that at universities things beyond the theory can be made. They enhance the creative power of the academy”, explained Rodrigo Maureira, main developer of the portable ultrasound scanner and former student of the FCFM.
“MMS, which was born at CMM, is a very successful project that has won several awards and is already implemented. Therefore, it shows that innovation can rise in Chile. It makes me feel proud of being part of the FCFM”, said Erik Atenas, member of the developer team of the jacket.
The event, which took place on 25th November, counted also with the presence of high authorities of the University and the Government like Ennio Vivaldi, rector of Universidad de Chile, Francisco Brieva, president of the Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (Conicyt), and Valentina Quiroga, Under-Secretary of Education.
Looking ahead: Vanguard and sustainability
“With this construction we reafirm the will of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics to move forward its consolidation as a main university center for science and technology at a national level, capable of gathering the best lecturers and students”, pointed out Patricio Aceituno, dean of the FCFM.
Along 46 thousand m2, the new area is organized in three building with seven floors and six undergrounds level. It houses 10 classrooms, laboratories, offices, sports facilities, recreational spaces, swimming pool and parking,with a capacity for 450 vehicles. All that makes to increase in 50% the actual infrastructure of the FCFM. The architectural concept began to take shape in 2007 and was designed by Borja Huidrobro.
The new complex is the first educational project in Chile to receive the LEED certification, a program that recognizes best-in-class sustainable building strategies and was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Indeed, it follows standards of efficiency energy through, for instance, 225 solar collectors.
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