Visit from UiT's twin in Antarctica

Norway and Chile are located both at the far north and far south of the world, with extensive coastlines, fjords, and archipelagos. Both countries have developed a strong sector in fish farming and energy production through hydropower.

What opportunities for research collaboration exist between the two countries? This was a question a delegation from the University of Magallanes sought to answer during their visit to UiT this week.

We are developed at different levels, but we are situated at a similar latitude. Therefore, we share many common interests in research on societal development and natural conditions in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions.

The university, with 4,000 students, is located in the city of Punta Arenas, at the southernmost tip of Chile, 15,400 kilometres from Tromsø.

Situated in a city at the heart of the Strait of Magellan, the university is positioned at the gateway to three oceans: the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Southern Ocean.

Many shared interests

At UiT, the delegation received briefings on research in global health and epidemiology, Sami studies, polar research, and peace studies.

Dr Claudia Estrada-Goic, Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Master's and Doctoral Studies at the University of Magallanes, points out that the two universities share more than just geographical similarities. She believes that in terms of focus areas, the Chilean university represents an academic antipode, or twin, to UiT.

Facts about the University of Magallanes

Established in 1961, in the city of Punta Arenas
Located at 53 degrees south, in the Antarctic region of Chile
Has 4,000 students
The university contributes to raising the level of education and strengthening societal development in the region.
The university's research focuses on solutions for developing green energy supply and settlement, as well as on the conservation of natural areas and biodiversity.

"We are developed at different levels, but we are situated at a similar latitude. Therefore, we share many common interests in research on societal development and natural conditions in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. The southern part of Chile is quite similar to what one finds in Arctic and sub-Arctic areas," she concludes.

An important mission for the University of Magallanes is to contribute to raising the level of education and strengthening societal development in the southernmost region of Chile, which includes the provinces of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Chilean city with Norwegian connections

Punta Arenas, from 1860 to 1940, frequently received Norwegian ships due to the growth in global trade and whaling.
The Norwegian Adolf Amandus Andresen is a notable historical figure who lived in Punta Arenas. He was the first to initiate whaling on the Antarctic Peninsula.
In 2019, KSAT established a satellite station in Punta Arenas. It receives data from satellites that, among other things, perform Earth observation in the southern hemisphere.
This type of monitoring can help detect illegal fishing in the Southern Ocean and the South Atlantic.
Another KSAT station is located at the Norwegian research base Troll in Antarctica and is connected to KSAT in Punta Arenas.

The university's research focuses on solutions for developing green energy supply and increasing settlement in the region, as well as on the conservation of natural areas and biodiversity.

New areas of collaboration

So far, the extent of research collaboration and exchange between Norway and Chile has been quite limited, something that is also reflected in UiT's figures.

Only one Chilean student is currently on exchange at UiT. To date, UiT researchers have published 20 academic articles in collaboration with authors from 12 Chilean universities. These articles primarily cover topics such as biosciences, interdisciplinary natural sciences, and medicine and psychology.

However, Estrada-Goic believes there are three areas with significant potential for expanding collaboration between UiT and her university: polar research, biology, and aquaculture.

Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro Rector for Research and Development at UiT, believes that the upcoming International Polar Year in 2032–2033 highlights the importance of increased collaboration between UiT and Chilean research institutions.

"A natural starting point for UiT, in collaboration with a Chilean university that has specialised expertise in Antarctica, is to conduct studies comparing conditions in Antarctica and the Arctic. This could include topics such as climate, biodiversity, and aquaculture," he concludes.

Bredesen, Kim [email protected] Rådgiver

Published: 25.06.25 00:00 Updated: 26.06.25 10:02

Arctic International cooperation Studentliv / Studier