Dr. Claudia Vargas Díaz will make her Congreso Futuro debut on Friday, January 16, as part of the 15th edition’s “Brain Interpretation” session at the Ceina Cultural Center.
In her talk, “How to Love Mathematics? From Emotions to Learning,” the USACH scholar will explore the profound impact of emotions on the classroom—addressing why anxiety often acts as a barrier for both students and teachers.
Drawing on her work with the Museum Laboratory of Didactics, Dr. Vargas Díaz will propose a shift from fear to curiosity. Her presentation will advocate for a "school-museum network" that reimagines problem-solving by placing emotional well-being at the core of the mathematical experience.
“For me, this is a major milestone in my career, as all my efforts have been recognized on a stage as significant as Congreso Futuro. I received the invitation shortly after being featured in the 2025 edition of El Mercurio as a leader. My commitment is to help children and young people feel more comfortable with mathematics. This is a personal and professional conviction, both as a researcher and as an educator,” said Dr. Vargas.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Congreso Futuro, which will take place from January 12 to 17. The event will bring together more than 120 national and international speakers, along with an extensive program of talks, panels, hands-on experiences, cultural activities, and side events that connect science, technology, the humanities, and the major challenges of our time.
A Dedicated Researcher and Educator
With a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Dr. Claudia Vargas is a full-time faculty member at the University of Santiago de Chile (Usach). As Director of the Mathematics Education Laboratory Museum, her research centers on the human dimension of mathematics and the emotional landscapes of its practice.
Her work in teaching and science outreach is defined by a rigorous commitment to inclusivity, creating vital opportunities for children and women to engage with the field.
“Dr. Vargas’s participation in this international event reflects the caliber of interdisciplinary research driven by our community,” states Dr. Pablo Donoso García, Usach Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Creation. “This milestone highlights our University’s excellence and reinforces the bond between science and the public—a core mission of our state institution.”