The National Science Foundation (NSF, in English) announced this Thursday that the Sacred Heart University (USC) terminated its commitment to co-manage the new educational center of the Arecibo Observatorywhich will now open in 2025 and not in November, as was scheduled.
In a press release in English, the NSF mentioned that the decision to move the opening date to next year – which will now coincide with the 75th anniversary of the federal entity – will allow “make the necessary arrangements and adjust the organizational structure following USC’s recent decision to end its commitment to the project”.
“This new structure will present new opportunities for institutional and organizational partnerships, community engagement, and on-site scientific research and education,” the NSF added.
In September 2023, the NSF advertisement that four institutions had been chosen to operate the Arecibo Center for Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Science Education, Computer Skills and Community Engagement (NSF Arecibo C3). In addition to USC, the other institutions were the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
In written statements shared with The New Daythe USC detailed that, After a year of work, “it has made the decision to gradually withdraw its participation in the project, concluding on November 15, 2024.”.
“Sagrado extends its sincere gratitude to the National Science Foundation and the Arecibo C3 Center partners for the opportunity to contribute to this important project and will ensure an orderly transition. “The University of the Sacred Heart remains committed to supporting future initiatives that seek to develop science education in Puerto Rico,” added the academic institution.
“At Sagrado, we are proud of the important contributions our team has made to the project so far. We have successfully completed our first year milestones, establishing protocols, processes and collaborations critical to the success of the project. In addition, we formed a communications team, and built alliances with Ciencia Puerto Rico and other organizations. These partnerships and structures have been successfully underway, and the remaining institutions involved in the project will continue this important work,” said Dr. Anuchka Ramos Ruizvice president of Academic Affairs at USC.
Jason Williamsprincipal investigator of the NSF Arecibo C3, thanked the USC and the doctor for their efforts. Wanda Diaz Merced as executive director of the educational center. Sagrado confirmed that Díaz Merced will conclude his duties on November 15.
Regarding the postponement of the center’s opening, the NSF reported that it is due to several factors, including delays in the transportation of essential equipment to Puerto Rico and continued efforts to ensure that the facility meets the required standards of access and inclusion.
According to the NSF, the additional period will also allow an extension of the pilot phase, which began this summer, and which has allowed groups of students and teachers to visit the site. “Although the center will remain closed to the public, the community can expect continued engagement through educational programs, workshops and activities, by invitation only,” the federal entity added.
1 / 20 | The Arecibo Observatory through the years. The Arecibo Observatory is one of the architectural wonders of Puerto Rico with a high value for the local and international scientific community. – GFR Average