As part of a business mission program with President Petr Pavel, a general Memorandum of Understanding was signed during an official state dinner between the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) and the Czech Antarctic Research Programme (CARP), coordinated by the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University. The memorandum confirms the mutual interest of both parties in developing joint research in Antarctica, sharing infrastructure and scientific capacities, and supporting international cooperation in polar research.
“For CARP, Masaryk University, and the Czech Republic as a whole, the memorandum brings concrete new opportunities for advancing science in collaboration with a key player in Antarctic research, the Chilean INACH. This includes, for example, improved access for our scientists to logistical facilities in Antarctica, sharing capacities of research stations and technologies, as well as participation in broader international projects,” said Luděk Bláha.
Daniel Nývlt, representing the Czech Antarctic Research Programme, added: “The signing of the cooperation memorandum with INACH will further deepen our scientific collaboration in Antarctica. Through an addendum, we have agreed on joint research into glacier changes in the Antarctic Peninsula region, where, together with our Chilean colleagues, we will expand our research to a larger area of interest.”
The agreement also opens up space for more intensive exchange of scientists and students, joint expeditions and publications, as well as coordination of research in areas such as climate change, polar ecosystems, and the geological development of Antarctica.
An important benefit is also the strengthening of the international visibility of Czech Antarctic research and the opportunity to become more actively involved in global scientific initiatives, where cooperation and shared capacities are essential.
In the presence of the presidents of both countries, the memorandum was formally signed by Faculty Dean Luděk Bláha and INACH Director Gino Cassasa.
