Strengthening international AF basic research collaborations Published April 29, 2015 By Molly Lachance ARLINGTON, Va. -- On March 23 in Santiago, Chile, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Chilean air force Aeronautical Polytechnic Academy (APA) forged a partnership to explore mutually beneficial opportunities for science and technology collaboration between the Chilean Air Force and United States Air Force. As the basic research manager for the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFOSR has a mission to discover, shape, and champion basic science that profoundly impacts the future Air Force. The global R&D community outside of the U.S. accounts for approximately 70% of investment, 80% of researchers, and 80% of technical publications. Given these statistics, it is critical to AFOSR's mission to proactively engage the international community. The terms of reference document -- signed by Dr. Thomas F. Christian, AFOSR Director and General Rafael Carrere Poblete, Director of the Education Division, Chilean air force -- outlines common interests and establishes a periodic technical exchange meeting as a venue to enable scientific collaboration efforts between Chile and the USAF. Common scientific interests to be covered at the technical exchange meetings will include autonomy, bio-nano science, cultural decision making, electro-optics, energy and power, extreme and harsh environment science, hyperspectral science, nanoscience, photoacoustics, photonics, sensors, space sciences, and quantum science. The objective of these meetings is to provide visibility to senior leaders and focus to science teamwork. Of particular interest to the USAF, the partnership will provide research access to a wide diversity of operational environments in Chile from the driest deserts in the north to the extreme climates of Antarctica. In support of the partnership, APA is hosting a USAF researcher studying satellite imagery through AFOSR's Engineering and Exchange Program (ESEP), and AFOSR has initiated collaborations in the areas of aging and sustainment of aerospace materials and photonics. This terms of reference document is the first of its kind for AFOSR since 2000 when it entered into a similar collaboration with Russia. "This document is of great benefit to the USAF as it provides unparalleled access to research facilities in remote areas," said Christian. "The pursuit of cutting-edge science around the world remains the singular focus of AFOSR," added Christian. "The international element of this organization is well poised to shape, leverage, and transition exciting breakthroughs in the years ahead." ---- AFOSR continues to expand the horizon of scientific knowledge through its leadership and management of the Air Force's basic research program. As a vital component of the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFOSR's mission is to discover, shape and champion basic science that profoundly impacts the future Air Force. To stay up-to-date on the latest AFOSR happenings, please join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AFOSR or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/AFOSR.