The astronomy department of "Universidad de Chile" will lead the Joint International Unit Franco-Chilean Astronomy (UMI-FCA), during the next four years. This project "represents a major step forward the strengthening of the scientific relations exchange between France and Chile. This instance will provide the finest researchers - from France - to do internships in Chile, working in collaboration with national peers and our students graduate, "said René Méndez, Director of the Astronomy Departament of Universidad de Chile.

Chile’s infrastructure will be 70% devoted to telescopes by 2018, making alliances like the UMI-FCA all the more important for strengthening Chile’s resources in the astronomical field.