A winner of the National Prize for Exact Sciences in 1997 and the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award in 2017, María Teresa Ruiz has dedicated her life to astronomy, where she has made significant contributions, such as the discovery of two planetary nebulae in the halo of our galaxy and the brown dwarf near the solar system known as Kelu-1.
As a result, the scientist is also recognized as a role model for women who want to pursue careers in science, as she was the first woman to study astrophysics at Princeton and the first president of the Chilean Academy of Sciences. Today, she is dedicated to teaching and science outreach in various fields.
His face and career will welcome millions of passengers at the airport’s International Terminal. What does it mean to you that people’s first or last impression of Chile is linked to astronomy and knowledge?
I think it's fantastic. All my life I've tried to promote astronomy and the observation of the universe both in Chile and abroad, highlighting the beauty of our skies. We have ideal conditions for astronomical observation, and I'm truly delighted that our visitors discover this the moment they set foot in our country.
Chile is a world leader in astronomy. From your perspective as a scientific ambassador, how important is this discipline in raising the country’s international profile?
It is something truly unique. In other words, there is no other place in the world with skies like Chile’s. This has attracted multimillion-dollar investments to build the world’s most advanced observatories. Our calm, dark, and clear skies make us the primary window into the cosmos. More than just pride, we should feel deeply privileged; it is a gift from nature that we were able to discover and that we now have a responsibility to protect.
How do scientists and international institutions view Chile's potential?
There is enormous admiration and a healthy dose of envy. Many foreign colleagues dream of conducting their scientific research here, as they recognize that Chile is the best possible setting for astronomical research. It’s a phenomenon that extends beyond the academic sphere. On one occasion, while talking to a taxi driver in Greece, when he found out I was an astronomer, he immediately recognized Chile because of the Atacama Desert. It’s surprising how the quality of our skies makes an impact and is recognized in the most diverse corners of the world, from Europe to China.
What message would you like to convey to the traveler who scans your image at the airport and stops to learn about your story?
First of all, a warm welcome. Chile is a fascinating country that is home to nearly every natural ecosystem imaginable: from the Antarctic ice and the southern fjords to native forests, pristine rivers, and the arid Atacama Desert.
However, we must add our celestial ecosystem to that natural heritage. Those of us who live in the Southern Hemisphere enjoy the privilege of having the center of the Milky Way right above our heads, as well as the Magellanic Clouds—two satellite galaxies that are invisible from the Northern Hemisphere. It is this unique astronomical vantage point that has attracted the world’s leading scientific centers, making Chile the world’s primary window onto the cosmos.
Why should science and space exploration be fundamental pillars of Chile's identity and international image?
Because they offer an unparalleled comparative advantage. Astronomy has become deeply ingrained in our cultural identity. Five decades ago, when I told my family that I would study this field, they confused it with horoscopes. Today, the general public—and especially younger generations—understand the value of science and are passionate about it.
Sharing scientific knowledge strengthens us as a society. Science is the driving force behind humanity’s great advances and provides us with critical tools to distinguish between empirical rigor and mere fantasy. Understanding the universe not only positions Chile as a global leader but also makes us a more educated community, one that is more aware of our place in the cosmos.
This project aims to inspire future generations. If you could look at the Chile of the future through a telescope, what legacy would you like our country to leave the world?
I hope that, as human beings, we can develop a deeper, long-term vision—a perspective that prevents us from continuing to be self-absorbed or wasting our energy on day-to-day squabbles. We must understand that all of humanity is part of a cosmic evolutionary process that began with the Big Bang.
Today, for the first time in history, humankind has the ability to shape its own destiny in the face of disruptive changes such as artificial intelligence. To avoid being overwhelmed by these advances and to learn how to take advantage of them, we need open minds and a solid education. In that sense, looking up at the Chilean sky and accepting that we are merely a speck in the midst of a universe containing billions of galaxies gives us the maturity necessary to preserve our existence.
Finally, what does it mean to you to be Chilean?
Being Chilean is part of my very identity. I am passionate about my country because we share an immediate connection: when I get on a bus or walk down the street, I recognize the experiences of others. We are united by a unique resilience shaped by the forces of nature—from earthquakes to floods.
However, that local identity is also connected to something broader. Having lived in the United States, Europe, and Mexico has shown me that there is a very fluid sense of closeness among Latin Americans and, ultimately, a universal empathy. My life journey and astronomy have taught me, above all, to value human richness regardless of borders.
