Paola Armijo

Las preferencias alimentarias han evolucionado en los últimos años, reflejándose en una creciente demanda por opciones de platos más saludables, sostenibles y con menor desperdicio de productos. 

En respuesta a esta tendencia, restaurantes, casinos y otros servicios alimentarios han comenzado a diversificar sus preparaciones, pero considerando otras variables como la planificación de las minutas, los costos operacionales y la logística, entre otros. En este contexto, la tecnología se ha convertido en una gran aliada clave para abordar estos desafíos.

During March, the Vice Rector’s Office for Research, Innovation and Creation (Vriic) joined in the commemoration of International Women’s Day, acknowledging the work of various researchers at the University of Santiago de Chile who lead in high economic, social and environmental impact development, which seek to contribute to our society and the evolution of industry. 

Its R&D projects have received support from Vriic's Directorate of Technology Management (DGT).

Transforming the packaging industry 

Mining, metallurgy and other related industries generate large volumes of wastewater every day during their productive activities. 

These liquids contain high concentrations of heavy metals and other contaminants, which can have harmful effects when they come into contact with soils, the environment, and health in communities near industrial zones.

In Chile, around 6.6 million tires are thrown away every year, according to data provided by the Ministry of the Environment. Of these, only 17% are managed in an environmentally responsible way, while the rest end up in illegal dumps or disappear from the records, creating a serious environmental problem. 

Agricultural crops are permanently exposed to infections caused by dangerous phytopathogenic agents, which can seriously damage plants and even cause losses of vegetable crops. 

One of the most harmful phytopathogenic bacteria for agriculture is the species Pseudomonas syringae, which affects kiwifruit, cherry, plum, tomato and bean plantations, among others. As a result of this infection, there are considerable losses in production and harvests, implying millions of dollars in economic losses for the industry.

Audiological diseases due to continuous exposure to noise at work are among the main occupational pathologies in our country, according to data from the Superintendence of Social Security.

The WHO recommends a limit of 65 decibels to ensure good health and well-being of people, while Chilean regulations allow up to 85 decibels in eight-hour workdays, which is not always complied with.

Chile is one of the leaders in the world salmon industry, occupying second place in salmonid production, after Norway, and supplying 25% of the global supply. At the national level, this product is the largest exporter, after copper.

The sector faces several challenges, however, including the spread of diseases that threaten the stability and quality of production. One of the most common and dangerous is salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS), caused by the bacterium Piscirickettsia salmonis.

Burner or ignition systems are essential for the operation of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and energy, as they facilitate the ignition of fuels to generate heat, energy or perform key processes. Their use in mining, manufacturing, construction and transportation, among others, ensures the continuity of operations. 

Chile is one of the world leaders in the aquaculture industry, positioning itself among the main producers of species such as Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout, which are highly demanded in international markets. However, for the industry to be able to guarantee productivity and competitiveness at a global level, it must meet high standards of health and breeding of salmonids. It is therefore essential to prevent and treat viral infections that affect the health of the fish, which jeopardize the stability and quality of production.

In order to identify new opportunities for joint work in research and development (R&D) projects, the Directorate of Technological Management (DGT) of the Vice Rector's Office for Research, Innovation and Creation (Vriic) organized a meeting that brought together researchers from the University of Santiago de Chile and executives from the technology company CoreDevX.