The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Santiago de Chile (USACH) excelled in early-stage research, securing 10 Fondecyt Iniciación 2026 grants. This achievement surpasses last year's results and underscores FING's dedication to innovation, technological development, and nurturing young talent in Chilean engineering.
USACH earned a total of 19 Fondecyt projects in this year's call, with more than half, 10, from the Faculty of Engineering. This highlights FING's leadership in supporting emerging researchers tackling national challenges.
The funded projects cover key disciplines like mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and electrical engineering, delivering cutting-edge solutions for Chile's scientific and technological advancement.
Fondecyt Iniciación 2026 recipients from USACH's Faculty of Engineering (FING) include Alejandro Aguirre and Mohammadhose Sablazian from the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Isaac Díaz and Yeney Lauzurique from the Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering; Britam Gómez from Biomedical Engineering; Mauricio Gómez from the Department of Metallurgical Engineering; Pamela Jara from the Department of Mining Engineering; Franco Quezada and Cristian Durán from the Department of Industrial Engineering; and Karel Toledo from the Department of Electrical Engineering.
For FING’s Vice Dean of R&D and Graduate Studies, Dr. Andrea Mahn Osses, this success "not only consolidates our leadership in research but surpasses last year’s 8 projects in the same call."
Dr. Mahn also highlighted that nearly 30% of FING’s awarded projects are led by women—far exceeding their 13% representation in the faculty—showcasing progress in gender equity in engineering and academic excellence.
This milestone signals FING’s strengthening of early-career research and the talent of its young USACH engineering faculty.