Chile will take an unprecedented step in national scientific training with the creation of the Bachelor of Science with a mention in Paleontology, the first undergraduate degree to formally incorporate this discipline into its curriculum.
The proclamation took place this Monday at the National Museum of Natural History, located in Quinta Normal Park in Santiago, as part of the balance of the exhibition “dinosaurs of the Southern World”.
The event was led by the Undersecretary of Cultural Heritage, Carolina Pérez Dattari, and included the participation of the Governor of the Atacama Region, Miguel Vargas; the Academic Vice-Rector of the University of Atacama, Fernando Herrera; the Executive Director of the Paleontology Research and Advancement Corporation (CIAHN Atacama), Pablo Quilodrán; and the Head of the Paleontology Area of the National Museum of Natural History, David Rubilar.
The event also presented high-value scientific fossil pieces from the Atacama Region and collected impressions from young applicants to the new degree program.
The degree will be taught by the University of Atacama, marking a milestone for both the Chilean university system and the development of paleontology in the country.
Scientific and territorial vision
Table of Contents
According to Philippe moisan, associate professor, paleobotanist and director of the Department of Chemistry and Biology of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Atacama, the creation of this degree is the result of years of academic development in basic and natural sciences within the institution, and responds to a structural need both of the region and the country.
“The University of Atacama and the region did not have a science degree. With the potential of the desert as a natural laboratory, paleontology, the surroundings and botany, we needed training that would allow us to develop research and train students,” said Moisan.
The option for a Bachelor of Science -with mentions in Paleontology, Environment and Natural Resources, and Physics and Astronomy- also sought to differentiate the academic offer and make it attractive at the national level.
Moisan stressed that this is the first time that paleontology has been incorporated as disciplinary training in undergraduate studies in Chile, without yet constituting a professional paleontologist title, but an academic degree that integrates knowledge of biology and geology in a balanced way.
“Traditionally,paleontologists come from
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PHASE 1: ADVERSARIAL RESEARCH & FRESHNESS CHECK
* Visitor Numbers: The claim of over 902,000 visitors to the “Dinosaurios del Sur del mundo” exhibition and 850,000 total museum visitors in 2025 requires verification.I searched for official reports from the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Chile. As of January 10, 2026, the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural’s official website (https://www.mnhn.cl/) does not have a publicly available press release or report confirming these exact figures. However, a news article from December 2023 (https://www.latercera.com/cultura/exposicion-dinosaurios-sur-del-mundo-mnhn-chile-2023/) from La Tercera reports that the exhibition had already surpassed 600,000 visitors by December 2023, and was on track to become the most visited in the museum’s history. Further, a report from the Chilean Ministry of Culture (https://www.cultura.gob.cl/noticias-y-eventos/noticias/exposicion-dinosaurios-del-sur-del-mundo-supera-las-600-mil-visitas/) confirms the 600,000+ visitor mark in December 2023. While the 902,000 and 850,000 figures haven’t been officially confirmed as of today, the trend indicated by these sources suggests they are plausible.
* Arackar licanantay: The finding of Arackar licanantay is verified by scientific publications. A paper published in Cretaceous Research (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2022.105387) details the discovery and characteristics of this titanosaur. The involvement of the Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) is also confirmed in the publication.
* Pelagornis: The existence of giant prehistoric marine birds like Pelagornis is well-established in paleontological literature. Data about Pelagornis can be found on the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History website (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/news/giant-flying-bird-pelagornis-sandersi-had-wingspan-over-20-feet).
* Breaking News: No breaking news related to these specific exhibits or discoveries was found as of January 10,2026.
PHASE 2: ENTITY-BASED GEO
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Chile
The Museo Nacional de historia Natural de chile has experienced record attendance due to the “Dinosaurios del Sur del Mundo” exhibition. The exhibition, running through March, attracted over 902,000 visitors, making it one of the most popular scientific exhibits in the museum’s history. The museum itself surpassed 850,000 visitors in 2025, largely due to the exhibition’s appeal to educational institutions.
“Dinosaurios del Sur del Mundo” Exhibition
This exhibition has been widely used by Chilean educational establishments as a resource for formal teaching. The exhibition’s success is documented by the Chilean Ministry of Culture (https://www.cultura.gob.cl/noticias-y-eventos/noticias/exposicion-dinosaurios-del-sur-del-mundo-supera-las-600-mil-visitas/).
Paleontological Discoveries in the Atacama Region
Arackar licanantay
Arackar licanantay, a herbivorous titanosaur discovered in the Atacama Region of northern Chile, is featured in the exhibition. The original remains were provided by the Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN).
Pelagornis
A cast of Pelagornis, a giant prehistoric marine bird, is also on display. Its wingspan exceeds that of modern birds like the Andean condor. Information about pelagornis can be found on the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History website (
