After several delays, the educational center that has been developed since 2022 in it Arecibo Observatory It is now scheduled to open its doors – partially – in January 2026, an occasion that will mark a new stage in the history of this facility.
This was confirmed this Thursday Jason Williamsdeputy director of the DNA Learning Center belonging to the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and leader of the project of the so-called “Arecibo Center for Education in STEMComputer Skills and Community Participation” (Arecibo C3 or AC3).
“AC3 announces its soft opening in January, when it will begin offering tickets to its weekly events, including historical tours that highlight Arecibo’s scientific legacy and explorations of the region’s biodiversity.. Visitors will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences in biology, computing, astronomy and more. Also, you will be able to enjoy a preview of the ‘Signs’ exhibition, which is scheduled to open in early 2026. It will connect the Observatory’s past with the new generation of scientists who shape the future of science in Puerto Rico,” shared Williams, in written statements.
In September 2023, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the selection of four institutions to operate the educational center. One of the entities selected, at that time, was the Sacred Heart Universitywhich in October 2024 terminated its commitment to co-manage the space.
The effort, then, is led by the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus; the University of MarylandBaltimore County (UMBC); and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratoryin New York.
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
Arecibo C3 launched a pilot phase in summer 2024, introducing multiple projects and engagement initiatives to gather community feedback and co-design learning opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines.
“This center turns Puerto Rico into a regional hub of innovation in STEM through three fundamental pillars: educational research with global impact, workforce development for a STEM-based economy, and alliances that address community challenges. “We want scientific knowledge to directly benefit Puerto Rico”he highlighted, for his part, Jose Agosto Riveraassociate professor at the UPR in Río Piedras and principal investigator of the AC3 project.
According to the release, “hundreds” of students, teachers and researchers collaborated with AC3 scientists through school projects, guided tours in molecular biology and genetics, and summer workshops. He adds that the programs presented during the past year have included early research in STEM education through multisensory methods, training in molecular biology and genomics for educators, digital skills workshops for parents, computer courses with a human focus for students and faculty, and interdisciplinary research experiences aimed at solving real problems in Puerto Rican society.
“With the rapid growth of the artificial intelligencethe integration of computational thinking at all educational levels is even more important. “We are engaging non-traditional participants to create community computing learning ecosystems through participatory design.”he added Patricia Ordonezassociate professor at UMBC and principal researcher at said institution.
Initially, the opening of the educational center was scheduled for November 2024, but was later moved to sometime in 2025. At that timethe NSF reported that the postponement was in response to several factors, including delays in transporting essential equipment to Puerto Rico and ongoing efforts to ensure that the facility meets required access and inclusion standards.