The new partnership will strengthen the communication of Antarctic and subantarctic research produced by the BASE Millennium Institute through SurCiencia Publishing’s editorial expertise, making world-class polar research more accessible to readers across Chile and around the world.
A new chapter in the BASE Millennium Institute’s science communication efforts begins with the signing of a collaboration agreement with SurCiencia publishing. The partnership includes the development and publication of books for diverse audiences, recognizing education as a key pathway for bringing scientific knowledge closer to society: “This partnership will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the science communication books we develop, allowing us to expand their reach and availability across Chile while creating new stories inspired by Antarctic and subantarctic research for a wide range of audiences”, says Dr. Elie Poulin, professor at Universidad de Chile and director of the BASE Millennium Institute.
“We believe science communication becomes most meaningful when books find their readers. This partnership will allow us to work alongside the BASE Millennium Institute to develop publications that bring Antarctic and subantarctic research closer to children, families, and educational communities, while supporting the broad and long-term circulation of these resources,” says Fresia Grimberg, editor and representative of SurCiencia publishing.
Antarctica for early childhood audiences
One of the first initiatives under this partnership is the publication of the children’s book “We dive with mom… in Antarctica!,” aimed at early childhood audiences. The book highlights Antarctic biodiversity, marine ecosystems, and the leadership of women in polar science. Written by journalists Constanza Barrientos and Nadia Politis, the book was developed with scientific guidance from researchers affiliated with the BASE Millennium Institute, including Dr. Angie Díaz (UdeC), Dr. Karin Gérard (UMAG), Dr. César Cárdenas (INACH), and Dr. Elie Poulin (Universidad de Chile). The illustrations were created by Magallanes-based artist Daniela Silva (@artpatagoniawild).
Early childhood educators Marcela Soto and Porfiria Barrientos provided pedagogical guidance for the book, which follows the adventures of a family from Punta Arenas led by a mother who is a researcher specializing in scientific diving in Antarctica. “During early childhood, children are discovering the world and are highly receptive to everything around them. While it is essential for them to explore, play outdoors, and experience the world firsthand, it is equally important that they gradually develop a relationship with books alongside their caregivers—looking at illustrations, listening to stories at a gentle pace, and taking an active role in the reading experience by pointing to words and turning the pages. Books like this help nurture lifelong readers from an early age, showing that reading can also be an adventure that inspires children to explore the world and discover new places”, observes Porfiria Barrientos, early childhood educator.
The children’s book “We dive with mom… in Antarctica!” will also be previewed at the 12th SCAR Open Science Conference (SCAR 2026), to be held from 8–19 August in Oslo, Norway, and hosted by the Norwegian Polar Institute. “As a team, we will participate in the Arts and Science session to share our experience of using storytelling, symbols, and analogies to bring Antarctica closer to young audiences. This represents an important international milestone for our institute”, says Nadia Politis, Head of Communications and Education at the BASE Millennium Institute, an ANID Center of Excellence funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation.
Under the new partnership, SurCiencia Publishing will oversee the editing, publication, distribution, and commercialization of the book’s first edition, while also promoting it through bookstores, book fairs, libraries, and educational institutions. The initial print run will consist of 1,000 copies. The agreement also includes outreach and promotional activities, such as book launches, presentations at libraries and schools, and media engagement.
For more information, visit https://www.surciencia.cl
Source: BASE Millennium Institute and SurCiencia Publishing
