Advances in Patagonian glaciers research

About the workshop

Patagonia hosts one of the largest glacierized regions outside the polar areas and is undergoing some of the most rapid glacier changes on Earth. This two-day workshop brings together Chilean and international researchers to present recent advances in Patagonian glacier observations, field measurements, numerical modelling, and future projections, while placing Patagonian glaciers in a broader international context. Organized around the visit of researchers from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU, Germany), the workshop aims to foster scientific collaboration, exchange ideas across disciplines, and engage undergraduate and graduate students with current developments in glacier science.

Program

19 Oct 2026

📍 Auditorium Alamiro Robledo, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Concepción

Session 1 – Current state of Patagonian glaciers

An overview of the current status of Patagonian glaciers, including their recent evolution, as well as atmospheric and oceanic/lacustrine drivers of mass loss.

Preliminary program

Fuego-Patagonia Glaciers: The Ice at the end of the world (David Farías)
Atmospheric drivers of the surface mass balance of Patagonian glaciers (Claudio Bravo)

Session 2 – Ice thickness observations in Patagonia

Recent advances in mapping glacier thickness and subglacial topography using airborne geophysical surveys.

Preliminary program

Hidden landscapes beneath Patagonian glaciers: insights from airborne GPR (Moritz Koch)
Subglacial landscapes holds potential future lakes in the Southern Andes (Jorge Berkhoff)
Preliminary results from the 2026 Patagonia field campaign (Samuel's + UdeC team)

Session 3 – Emerging observations in Patagonia

New observational techniques and instrumentation for glaciological research in Patagonia.

Preliminary program

Instrumentation development for glaciological research @MIDGEO laboratory (Victor Villagrán)
Criosfera UdeC Students presentations (field observations, measurements)

20 Oct 2026

📍 Auditorium Alamiro Robledo, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Concepción

Session 4 – Advances in glacier modelling and future hazards

How numerical models are advancing our understanding of glacier evolution from regional to global scales, with applications to future water resources, glacier hazards, and climate change.

Preliminary program

The DeLIGHT Project: Global-scale glacier change, water resources and future impacts (Samuel's group)
All the world's a mesh and all the men and women merely models: exploring large-scale glaciological modelling possibilities (Samuel)

Session 5 – Modelling and future perspectives in Patagonia

Current developments in modelling Patagonian glaciers and their representation in the IPCC next report.

Preliminary program

The Cryosphere in the forthcoming IPCC report, Working Group 1: emphasis in Patagonia (Alfonso Fernández)
Modelling glacier dynamics and future evolution in Patagonia (Ilaria Tabone and Criosfera UdeC team)

Session 6 – Open discussion on future challenges

Final open discussion on future scientific challenges and collaborative opportunities.

Invited experts

International speakers

Samuel Cook

Junior Research Group Leader

Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

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Moritz Koch

Postdoctoral Researcher

Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

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Celine Walker

PhD candidate

Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

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Nikola Jovanovic

PhD candidate

Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

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Confirmed national speakers

Ilaria Tabone

Assistant Professor

Universidad de Concepción

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David Farías

Associate Professor

Universidad de Concepción

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Alfonso Fernandez

Full Professor

Universidad de Concepción

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Claudio Bravo

Researcher

CECs

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Victor Villagrán

Head Engineer at MidGeo Laboratory

Universidad de Concepción

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Jorge Berkhoff

PhD Candidate

Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

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Team from Criosfera UdeC

Registration

Who can apply?

The workshop is open to researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, and professionals interested in glaciological science with focus on observation and modelling of Patagonian glaciers.

Participation is free for all attendees, but registration is required as the number of places is limited. During registration, applicants will be asked to submit a short motivation statement, which will be used to help prioritize participation and travel support if demand exceeds the available places or funding.

Register now

Mobility grants

A limited number of mobility grants will be available for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, as well as ECS participants from other regions of Chile, who are selected to attend the workshop.

The grants consist of reimbursement for travel and accommodation expenses, with a maximum total of (per person):

CLP $100,000 for participants from regions other than Aysén and Magallanes.
CLP $250,000 for participants from Aysén or Magallanes.

Applicants must request the grant when applying to the workshop. After acceptance, selected applicants will be contacted with details on the reimbursement process and required documentation.

Grants are limited and not guaranteed, and reimbursement is subject to the submission of the corresponding receipts and the applicable administrative requirements.

Supported by

Organized by

Criosfera UdeC

Contact

Ilaria Tabone · itabone@udec.cl