MIGA researcher assumes new position of director at UC Center
César Sáez, a researcher focused on the NH₃ electrochemical production line, will be in charge of the Center for Research in Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, after a long career as research director of CIEN-UC.
"It was very surprising and at the same time very significant because the Center for Research in Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (CIEN-UC) involves 3 faculties: physics, chemistry and engineering. We are a team that gets along very well and that is a strength", is the first thing that César Sáez says after his appointment as the new director of the UC Center.
Since he was very young, César liked to invent, create and know how things work, and not only material things, but also topics related to the ecosystem, animals and others. These concerns motivated him to study Chemical Civil Engineering and later a doctorate focused on engineering sciences.
A few days ago, researcher MIGA took over as the new general director of CIEN-UC, one of the highest level research centers of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Founded in 2013, CIEN is dedicated to scientific research applied to technology, generating new knowledge in nanotechnology and materials science. Its objective is to carry out cutting-edge scientific research oriented in technological applications. This also includes the training of advanced human capital and collaboration with the productive sector to develop innovative solutions.
In his years of experience, César Sáez has carried out several application projects, which has led him to have 12 patents of registration. "In my case, I am a person who does science, applies it and also protects it, I also have a focus oriented to the country's large economic groups", explains César.
Currently, there are 40 people working at CIEN-UC with great challenges ahead. In his new role, and in mutual agreement with the research directors, César will be in charge of redefining and restructuring the focus of the center. The changes are focused on three points: the first is to update the lines of research according to the new needs; the second will be to focus research on areas of primary and more concrete need such as water, energy, food and health; and finally, to strengthen the network of instruments belonging to CIEN-UC, i.e., better use of equipment and resources.
As for his distinctive element as general director, Sáez states that "the relationship between the center and the industry must be strengthened. Both have different objectives, and that makes me noise. It is a problem we have and we have to correct it. For that we must promote joint R&D projects, strengthen our communication channels, among other things. Science is a tool to develop technology and if we want to grow we must focus on those who make development and contribute to the country", says the researcher.