{"id":10281,"date":"2026-05-07T12:04:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T10:04:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unescochair-ghe.org\/?page_id=10281"},"modified":"2026-05-07T12:06:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T10:06:19","slug":"chile","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/unescochair-ghe.org\/fa\/the-chairs-community\/national-representatives\/chile\/","title":{"rendered":"Chile"},"content":{"rendered":"

Activities in relation to the UNESCO Chair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Rodrigo Y\u00e1\u00f1ez Sep\u00falveda is a leading academic and researcher at Andr\u00e9s Bello University (UNAB) in Chile. With a PhD in Applied Physiology and a background as a data science engineer, his profile combines technical rigour with a commitment to promoting public health. He is currently a member of various international knowledge networks. He is the author of over 300 scientific articles in high-impact journals; his work aligns with the UNESCO Chair in fostering networks for the exchange of scientific knowledge and educational practices across Ibero-America and Europe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Rodrigo Y\u00e1\u00f1ez Sep\u00falveda est un \u00e9minent universitaire et chercheur \u00e0 l’Universit\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s Bello (UNAB) au Chili. Titulaire d’un doctorat en physiologie appliqu\u00e9e et fort d’une formation d’ing\u00e9nieur en science des donn\u00e9es, son profil allie rigueur technique et engagement en faveur de la promotion de la sant\u00e9 publique. Il est actuellement membre de divers r\u00e9seaux internationaux de connaissances. Auteur de plus de 300 articles scientifiques publi\u00e9s dans des revues \u00e0 fort impact, son travail s’inscrit dans la droite ligne de la Chaire UNESCO en favorisant les r\u00e9seaux d’\u00e9change de connaissances scientifiques et de pratiques \u00e9ducatives entre l’Am\u00e9rique latine et l’Europe.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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His mission within the Chair focuses on the integration of disruptive technologies\u2014such as artificial intelligence and bio-inspired optimisation models\u2014to improve health and well-being. In addition to his academic work, he serves as an expert advisor to government bodies and various NGOs. He also has a strong humanitarian commitment as a volunteer with several organisations, building bridges between cutting-edge science and direct social support.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Au sein de la chaire, sa mission consiste principalement \u00e0 int\u00e9grer des technologies de rupture, telles que l’intelligence artificielle et les mod\u00e8les d’optimisation bio-inspir\u00e9s, afin d’am\u00e9liorer la sant\u00e9 et le bien-\u00eatre. Outre ses activit\u00e9s universitaires, il intervient en tant que conseiller expert aupr\u00e8s d’organismes gouvernementaux et de diverses ONG. Il fait \u00e9galement preuve d’un engagement humanitaire fort en tant que b\u00e9n\u00e9vole au sein de plusieurs organisations, jetant ainsi des ponts entre la science de pointe et l’aide sociale directe.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Notable involvement and achievements in the region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In Chile and across the Ibero-American region, Rodrigo leads initiatives aimed at transforming physical education and public health through evidence-based practices. For over 15 years, he has been the research director of the Quintero Physical Fitness Assessment Laboratory (LECOFQ), where they carry out research and intervention projects in an industrial area with high levels of pollution. He currently coordinates the GAC PAQ study in Chile, which seeks to validate the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents; this study involves nearly 20 countries across all continents. He also leads the longitudinal study \u2018Physical fitness, body composition, cognition, well-being and nutrition across the life course in Ibero-America\u2019. These initiatives are directly aligned with UNESCO\u2019s objective of promoting holistic well-being from childhood through to adulthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His key activities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n