My research stay in Chile allowed me to conduct a field study on Climate Governance in Chile, aiming to contribute to more inclusive, participatory, and territorially grounded governance models. As a Chilean scholar, activist, and youth representative, my positionality – shaped by experiences as a scientist, teacher, and woman – provided a unique perspective on the subject. 

The primary goal of this study was to explore how Chilean climate governance can evolve to become more inclusive and participatory. Three central research questions guided the work:

1. Political and Social Dynamics: How do different actors negotiate and contest climate policies in Chile?
2. Financialisation and Dependency: How are processes of financialisation and dependency embedded in climate governance frameworks and practices?
3. Spatial Inequalities and Epistemic Pluralism: How do spatial inequalities, diverse knowledge systems, and local subjectivities challenge dominant governance models, and what alternative pathways do they offer?

These questions emerged from a desire to understand the underlying power structures and opportunities for transformation in Chile’s climate governance.
This research process was not just academic – it was deeply personal and transformative. As someone who has lived the realities of Chile’s climate governance, I witnessed firsthand how inequality, power imbalances, and epistemic hierarchies shape policy outcomes. Yet, I also saw the resilience and creativity of communities working to challenge these norms.
One of the most striking realizations was the power of situated knowledge. The diverse perspectives of stakeholders – from policymakers to grassroots activists – offered a rich tapestry of insights that could redefine climate governance in Chile. However, for these insights to translate into action, institutional change is necessary, particularly in how participation is structured and whose voices are prioritized.

This study underscores the need for climate governance in Chile to move beyond tokenistic participation and embrace genuine inclusivity. By acknowledging the diverse knowledge cultures and addressing power imbalances, governance models can become more responsive, adaptive, and equitable.

For me, this research – made possible by CuKnow through financial support – was a journey of discovery, reflection, and hope. It reinforced the idea that climate governance is not just about policies and frameworks – it is about people, their struggles, and their aspirations. As Chile continues to navigate its climate challenges, the insights from this study could serve as a foundation for building governance models that are rooted in justice, equity, and collaboration.

As part of his PhD in Economics, Resul Zoroglu spent seven months (2024/2025) at Boston College in the USA. His stay focused on academic exchange with leading experts in market and mechanism design, Professors Utku Ünver and Tayfun Sönmez. These scholars are renowned for their groundbreaking work on kidney exchange programs and the allocation of medical and educational resources.

Resul Zoroglu engaged in a vibrant research environment with over 60 international PhD students, participating in workshops, seminars, and receiving close mentorship. He also co-authored a paper with visiting researcher Cyril Rouault from Paris (Université Paris-Saclay).

Beyond academics, Resul Zoroglu explored the cultural diversity of the U.S., including travel along the East Coast and a camper trip through western national parks. The experience was both personally and academically enriching, expanding his network and research perspectives.

Inspired by a 2017 seminar at the University of Mannheim, Resul Zoroglu fulfilled a long-held dream of working with Professors Ünver and Sönmez—demonstrating that one can reach the international research elite despite challenging beginnings and without an academic background.