The Instituto de Física La Plata (IFLP, CONICET-UNLP) and the Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM) were recognized with the 2025 Fundación Williams Award for Scientific Excellence, an accolade aimed at consolidating cutting-edge research hubs and strengthening the Argentine scientific system.
The distinction reached ten institutes across the country, each receiving a grant of 38 million pesos, intended for the purchase and repair of equipment, acquisition of supplies, and scholarships for training new generations of researchers.
An award to boost Argentine science
The Fundación Williams, created in 1943 by Thomas J. Williams and Ana King Williams, highlighted that the recognition aims to promote frontier research, attract and retain scientific talent, and elevate the international impact of Argentine institutes through their integration into global networks.
The selection was made based on a rigorous evaluation process that considered objective performance indicators, the quality and scope of publications, as well as the established track record of each institution. For this first edition, priority was given to centers with more than 30 years of activity and a critical mass of researchers and fellows capable of ensuring continuity and academic excellence.
This award not only represents a financial contribution but also an institutional support that seeks to consolidate Argentina’s position on the international scientific map. In a context where investment in science and technology is key for sustainable development, the initiative of Fundación Williams becomes a decisive stimulus for institutes to continue generating quality knowledge and training highly skilled professionals.
IFLP and INTECH: pillars of national research
The Instituto de Física La Plata (IFLP), created in 1999, is the heir to a long tradition of research in physics in the region. Its roots date back to 1905, when the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) planned the first teaching and research institute in physics in Latin America. Today, it gathers a large number of researchers with recognized careers and develops cutting-edge projects in basic and applied physics, from fundamental interactions and mathematical physics to the study of new materials and biologically interesting compounds. Its mission is to contribute to the welfare of society and strengthen the link with the productive sector.
Meanwhile, the Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), founded in 1989 by the initiative of then-president Raúl Alfonsín and with the support of prominent scientists like Nobel Prize in Medicine César Milstein, has established itself as an emblematic institution in generating basic and applied knowledge. With more than 20 lines of research in areas such as biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular and cellular biology, neurobiology, microbiology, and immunology, its contributions directly impact health, the agricultural sector, and industry.
A recognition with future impact
The award received by the IFLP and INTECH reaffirms the importance of strengthening Argentine science with investment in infrastructure, talent training, and international projection. In a context where knowledge production is key for sustainable development, both institutes are consolidated as strategic pillars to ensure that scientific research translates into social, cultural, and productive benefits for the country.
The Fundación Williams, with more than 80 years of history, has made countless contributions to individuals and institutions in the country, always with the aim of improving the population’s welfare through the expansion of knowledge and the development of culture. This new award is part of that tradition and marks a milestone in supporting Argentine science, showing that collaboration between the private sector and the scientific system can generate impactful results.
In short, the recognition of the IFLP and INTECH not only celebrates their academic excellence but also opens the door to new opportunities for research, international cooperation, and technology transfer. It is a step towards consolidating a robust scientific system, capable of facing the challenges of the present and the future, and positioning Argentina as a relevant actor in global knowledge production.