This seminar marked the start of 2025 activities, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Faculty of Design.
Dr. José Zagal, recipient of the 2024 National Prize in Natural Sciences, participated in the seminar Sustainable Materials: Science, Design, and New Applications, which aimed to present the progress and results of the Fondecyt Research Project led by UDD Design academic, Dr. Nataly Silva.
Dr. Zagal, a chemist from the University of Chile and PhD graduate of Case Western Reserve University (Ohio, USA), has devoted his career to the study and development of renewable energy, with focus on Green Hydrogen. During his presentation, he discussed key issues in energy conversion and emphasised the importance of investing in research to promote national development and tackle climate change.
During the event, the Dean of UDD Design Alejandra Amenábar, presented the Cu-paper project — a copper-based paper created and patented by the School of Design in 2015, which combines cellulose with copper particles to produce an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral material effective against SARS-CoV-2.
In her presentation, she explained the journey behind the discovery of this material, carried out in collaboration with Paulina Contreras, Director of Research at UDD Design. Also, she outlined new developments made alongside Dr. Silva to explore innovative applications of cellulose.
Currently, the team is working with Forestal Papel de Concepción (FPC), where they have already conducted three industrial trials and are advancing towards licensing the product for commercial use.
In this context, Amenábar highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary work between design and science as a driver for innovative solutions. “Design’s greatest strength lies in its ability to identify opportunities,” she emphasised.
The seminar also featured presentations from 12 researchers from various universities, including Dr. Mauricio Isaacs, Director of the Millennium Institute for Green Ammonia as an Energy Vector (MIGA).
