This Thursday, September 4, the national final of Solo de Ciencia Chile will take place at the University of Concepción (UdeC). This scientific monologue competition promotes science communication in Spanish and serves as the official platform to select Chile’s representative for the Ibero-American Solo de Ciencia contest, organized by Spain’s Ministry of Science and Innovation and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), to be held in Quito, Ecuador.
Among the ten finalists competing for the chance to represent Chile internationally is Dr. Zeneida Wong, Associate Researcher in the “Environmental Sustainability” line at the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), who will present an oceanographic topic.
“The theme I’ll present at Solo de Ciencia Chile stems from the scientific articles I developed during my PhD in oceanography at UdeC. It explores the fascinating process of upwelling shadows—small warm pools that emerge within cold marine systems dominated by coastal upwelling, becoming true marine refuges with unique conditions for the development of larvae, plankton, and fish,” explained Dr. Wong.
She shared that her motivation to participate in the contest was “the opportunity to transform science into a different kind of experience. I had heard about scientific monologues in other countries and was intrigued by the idea of presenting a complex topic like oceanography in just three minutes. But what attracted me most was discovering that it’s not just about giving a talk—it’s about inviting the audience into a story. Seeing my research as entertaining stories to tell has given me a new perspective: science doesn’t have to stay confined to hard-to-read articles—it can also move, surprise, and connect with everyone.”
The final will be held on Thursday, September 4 at 6:00 PM in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Humanities and Arts at the University of Concepción. It will be hosted by actor Héctor Morales and judged by Macarenas Rojas-Ábalos, biologist, science communicator, and president of ACHIPEC; Gladys Hayashida, PhD in Biotechnology and Aquaculture and Director of CTYS Antofagasta; Hugo Gárces, PhD in Engineering Sciences and Director of the PhD in Artificial Intelligence at UdeC; and Rodrigo Pincheira, Professor of History and Geography, journalist, and Master in Humanities and Arts.
Solo de Ciencia Chile is organized by the community El Viaje and the production company El Viento Estudio. It is institutionally supported by the University of Concepción, the Catholic University of the Most Holy Conception, the University of Bío-Bío, and the Federico Santa María Technical University. Media partners include Diario La Discusión, Radio UdeC, TVU, and Diario Concepción, with additional collaboration from the INCAR Center, Sense Contents, and the PhD in Artificial Intelligence.
For more information, visit the official website of Solo de Ciencia Chile.
