For more than 20 years, a school science research contest challenges students and from all over Chile to develop new proposals to protect the Antarctic continent and its biodiversity. In a special coverage for Polar Journal, Nadia Politis traveled to the Antarctic peninsula and the professor Julio Escudero base of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) to meet the winners of the “Feria Antártica Escolar” (Antarctic School Fair). What is their view of the changes facing our planet?
Photo: Harry Díaz/INACH.
They are not veteran explorers or renowned scientists, but students who, guided by curiosity, research real issues about the white continent. Through the “Antarctic School Fair” (FAE), organized by the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), science leaves the classroom and becomes an adventure. In this way, Chile invites its young people to discover and think about Antarctica with their own eyes. After meeting in the city of Punta Arenas, completing technical training and receiving clothing supplies at INACH, students and teachers from the areas of Lota, Ñuñoa and Las Condes begin their journey to Antarctica as winners and, from now on, polar explorers.
“We imagined Antarctica the way it’s shown in the movies,” admit Helena Esparza and Marian Silva from Liceo Bicentenario Carmela Silva Donoso in Ñuñoa, referring to the surprising lack of snow on the rocky terrain at the western end of King George Island during the Antarctic summer. “But the upside of having less snow is that we’ve been able to see the species more clearly, since not everything is covered,” they add.
The plane lands at Teniente Rodolfo Marsh Martin Airfield (Chilean Air Force) and the silence is broken by the flight attendant’s voice announcing: “Welcome to Antarctica”. “Engaging with students is always deeply rewarding and enriching. Having the chance to introduce them to Antarctica and receive their feedback is truly a pleasure. I’m constantly impressed by their enthusiasm, curiosity, and the quality of their research proposals,” says Dr. Cristine Trevisan, a sedimentary geologist and current member of INACH’s Paleobiology Laboratory, which oversees the Antarctica-Patagonia Collection.
Dr. Trevisan, a specialist in paleobotany, paleoclimate, paleoenvironment, paleoecology, and paleobiogeography, has served as a scientific evaluator and jury member for the FAE. During this edition of the Antarctic School Expedition (EAE), she guided six students and four teachers through Antarctic sites that offer key insights into the fossilized plant life discovered on the frozen continent: “I’m consistently impressed by the insights they share during presentations and their genuine drive to solve problems. Their attitude reveals a strong sense of awareness about the issues surrounding climate change”.
The polar experience isn’t designed to cast young students—typically aged 16 to 18—as mere spectators. Instead, it draws them into the Antarctic world through hands-on encounters with the people who make life and research on the continent possible: base commanders, scientists, logistics crews, communication and education specialists, cooks, and personnel from Chile’s Armed Forces—including the Air Force, Army, and Navy. A highlight of the expedition is the visit to research stations of other National Antarctic Programs, offering a rare glimpse into global scientific collaboration in one of the planet’s most extreme environments.
The students stayed overnight at INACH’s Escudero Base and visited several other stations, including China’s Great Wall, Russia’s Bellingshausen, South Korea’s King Sejong, and Chile’s Frei Base operated by the Chilean Air Force. During these visits, they toured laboratories and facilities, gaining firsthand insight into how these stations collaborate to achieve shared goals. “These young people visit different bases, and that’s remarkable—it allows them to witness, in real time, the spirit of international cooperation,” says Dr. Gino Casassa Rogazinski, glaciologist and director of the Chilean Antarctic Institute. “This is a core element of the Antarctic Treaty, of how Antarctica functions, of environmental protection, and of Antarctic science as a whole.”
“It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. We’ve gone through so much, and it’s truly unforgettable,” say Antonia Guerrero Quichel and Antonia Acuña Sanhueza from Colegio Alexander Fleming in Las Condes. “We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved and everything we’ve overcome,” they add.
The 61st edition of the Chilean Antarctic Scientific Expedition (ECA), which also marked the final mission of the season, included the participation of Chile’s Undersecretary for Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, Cristian Cuevas Vega: “A group of six students took part—five of them young women—which reflects the effort we’re making to involve more women in STEM fields. Here, we see how women are actively contributing to Antarctic research, and in many ways, this shows that science has no gender. We all have the same capacity to do science, and in Antarctica, there is a strong atmosphere of mutual respect that makes scientific work possible.”
Research on macroalgae, lichen spores, and wastewater from Antarctic bases were the main topics explored by students Jeremías Toloza Reuca and Catalina Sierra Carrasco (Liceo Baldomero Lillo Figueroa, Lota); Helena Esparza López and Marian Silva Camacho (Liceo Bicentenario Carmela Silva Donoso, Ñuñoa); and Antonia Guerrero Quichel and Antonia Acuña Sanhueza (Colegio Alexander Fleming, Las Condes). During the expedition, the students presented their findings at an Antarctic seminar attended by scientists working on-site, members of the Armed Forces stationed at King George Island for the season, and anyone interested in hearing from the next generation of polar researchers.
From the classroom to its first polar expedition
FAE is a one-of-a-kind science competition that invites high school students from across Chile to develop research projects for a chance to travel to Antarctica. Now in its 22nd edition, with applications open until June 27, 2025, the winning teams will take part in the Antarctic School Expedition at the “Profesor Julio Escudero” base on King George Island. More than just a contest, FAE serves as a gateway to the White Continent—sparking interest in STEM fields and nurturing environmental awareness among Chile’s next generation.
FAE unfolds in three stages: an initial nationwide call for proposals, where student teams submit research ideas related to Antarctic topics; a second phase, in which selected teams take part in the School Science Meeting in Punta Arenas; and finally, an expedition to Antarctica for the contest’s winning teams. In the 2024 edition, over 500 teams registered, 204 proposals were evaluated, and 15 were selected to present their projects in the Magallanes region.
Photo: Nadia Politis
“Seeing Antarctic wildlife, especially the penguins, has been absolutely incredible,” say Jeremías Toloza and Catalina Sierra, graduates of Liceo Baldomero Lillo Figueroa in Lota and now students of Metallurgical Engineering and Geology at Universidad de Concepción. “If we could come back in the future, once we’ve graduated, that would be amazing,” they add with a smile.
An estimated 2,000 to 2,200 teachers from across Chile have taken part in the FAE since its launch in 2004. These educators don’t just accompany their students—they learn, explore, and marvel alongside them. For many, it’s their first-time setting foot in Antarctica, turning the experience into a unique opportunity for both professional and personal growth. Their role is essential in inspiring scientific curiosity and bridging the classroom with one of the most remote regions on Earth.
During the EAE 2025 expedition, teachers Olimpia Cifuentes Mendoza (Baldomero Lillo Figueroa High School, Lota), Cristian Michea Lobo (Bicentenario Carmela Silva Donoso High School, Ñuñoa), and Claudia Pizarro Ojeda (Alexander Fleming High School, Las Condes) experienced Antarctica for the first time. For teacher Eddie Morales Toledo (Santo Tomás High School, Puerto Montt), however, it was a return trip—his students won the FAE in both 2022 and 2023. “Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t able to travel last year, but this time I finally made it,” he explains.
“The application process isn’t easy—the standards are high, and projects are reviewed by specialized scientists,” explains teacher Olimpia Cifuentes. “This was the second time my team submitted a proposal, and thanks to their perseverance and enthusiasm, they not only passed the national selection but also successfully defended their project in the final round in Punta Arenas, where the scientific jury chose them as one of the top teams.” The award-winning research, developed by students Jeremías Toloza and Catalina Sierra, was titled “Accumulation of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in Rhodophyta macroalgae Palmaria decipiens and Iridaea cordata extracted from King George Island under natural conditions and controlled algal cultures”.
“We spoke with the Regional Ministerial Secretary (SEREMI) of Science for the Southern Macrozone, Verónica Vallejos, who is also an Antarctic explorer,” say Helena Esparza and Marian Silva. “She told us that just a few years ago, this part of Escudero Base would have been covered in snow—but that’s no longer the case because of climate change.”
The two students, from Liceo Bicentenario Carmela Silva Donoso in Ñuñoa, are in Antarctica presenting their research project: “Analysis of lichen spores using geometric morphometrics as a tool to measure climate change,” guided by their teacher Cristian Michea. Their scientific curiosity is deeply intertwined with what they observe in the field. “It’s sad to see temperatures rising,” they add. “There are so many negative consequences that come with it.”
A Generation’s Voice
“We believe we have a really important role,” say Antonia Guerrero and Antonia Acuña. “Out of 204 submissions, being one of the three teams selected comes with a lot of responsibility,” they add. Their reflections go beyond the personal: “We want to do something to improve the future—not just for us, but for the whole world”. The students, guided by their teacher Claudia Pizarro, presented a research project titled “Evaluation of nanomagnetite for the efficient removal of Ciprofloxacin in wastewater from Chilean Antarctic bases.” Their proposal stands as a testament to the growing interest in tackling environmental challenges through applied science.
Photos: Nadia Politis
Students and teachers alike described the Antarctic expedition as a “life-changing experience,” and emphasized the camaraderie and warmth shown by the professionals who accompanied them on their polar journey. Among them were top chefs Carol Alarcón Monsalve, Juan Velázquez Muñoz, and Bárbara Valdés Concha, who lifted spirits daily—not only by warming frozen stomachs, but by preparing special meals rarely seen in Antarctica. From colorful salads with fresh vegetables to ice cream, and even a birthday cake to celebrate the birthday of Antarctic scientist Angélica Casanova-Katny, their culinary efforts added comfort and joy to an unforgettable experience.
Boat operators Rodrigo Molina Delgado, Dayana Cañón Ulloa, Natalia Jeldres Haase, and Belén Tariño Muñoz transported the teams across the frigid Antarctic waters aboard rubber “zodiac” boats. Meanwhile, the education team from the Chilean Antarctic Institute—Andrea Peña, Constanza Jiménez, Jessica Paredes, Harry Díaz, and René Quinán—ensured the group’s safety and guided them through the polar environment, making the expedition both secure and enriching.
“My experience with the FAE-winning students has shown me that they belong to a generation deeply concerned about climate change,” says Dr. Cristine Trevisan. “They have a strong grasp of core concepts, and most of their research projects—many of them of remarkably high quality—focus on the impacts of the climate crisis. Their work reflects both solid knowledge and a genuine desire to find solutions to the challenges we face.” Information about the Antarctic School Fair, including the full contest guidelines and future winners, is available via the webpage of the Chilean Antarctic Institute INACH
Nadia Politis is a Chilean science journalist and former vice-president of the Chilean Association of Journalists and Communicators for Scientific Communication (ACHIPEC). With experience reporting on radio, web, and television, Nadia covered the areas of Science and International at CNN Chile. She was the winner of the Chilean Antarctic Institute’s (INACH) Media Program for field coverage in Antarctica in 2019 and 2025. In Pandemic, she published her first book, “Antarctica: stories of women explorers in the heart of the planet”, focused at Spanish-speaking girls and teens and freely downloadable at www.exploradorasdelplaneta.cl
Nadia continues to develop Antarctic Science Communication as head of communications of the Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems, known as the BASE Millennium Institute, and leads science journalism classes for undergraduates.