Benefits for the Community

The operation of the ALMA observatory in Chile contributes to the development of astronomy in the country by granting guaranteed observing time to Chilean astronomers, encouraging the training of specialized human resources, promoting innovations in engineering and software development, helping to improve the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, and supporting the social and economic development of local and regional communities.

ALMA’s relationship with the Chilean community and government has been excellent both at the national and regional levels, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other authorities. Collaboration is constant at the ministerial level as well as with regional authorities through the Intendente –the equivalent of a regional governor– and local authorities, through the mayor and town council of San Pedro de Atacama and the Toconao indigenous community.