Objective 1
Functional genomics of adaptation and convergent evolution
We study how genes contribute to adaptation and why different species evolve similar responses to environmental challenges.
Center for Genome Regulation
How does life adapt to a changing world?
We study DNA to understand how life adapts, from microorganisms to ecosystems, and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Our research
Three scientific objectives · 2022–2032
Objective 2
Interaction networks governing genome structure in communities of organisms and viruses
We investigate interactions among organisms and viruses, and how these networks relate to genome organisation and function.
Objective 3
Genomics for biotechnology, sustainable food production and conservation
We apply genomic knowledge to develop biotechnology, support sustainable food production and conserve biodiversity.
CRG research across the territory
From Atacama to austral Chile: Aysén and Magallanes. Also explore Rapa Nui, Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Geographic overview. Location details are available alongside the map.
Northern Chile · Antofagasta Region
Atacama · El Tatio
Extreme gradients make it possible to study microbial communities, adaptation and the limits of life.
Extreme viruses at El Tatio
Pacific Ocean · Valparaíso Region
Rapa Nui
Genomics supports the study and conservation of endemic species through work developed with local authorities and communities.
Sequencing threatened species on Rapa Nui
Southern Chile · Los Lagos Region
Frutillar
The Science and Nature Biopark brings together native forest conservation, genetic research and education with local communities.
A biopark for conservation in Frutillar
Castro and Dalcahue · Los Lagos
Chiloé
Students explore the genetic diversity of native potatoes, connecting science, local agricultural heritage and food sovereignty.
Chiloé students explore potato genetics
Austral Chile · Aysén and Magallanes
Patagonia · fjords
Seawater sampled along the Patagonian fjords reveals how temperature shapes viral communities and their role in marine ecosystems.
The hidden viruses of Chilean Patagonia
Polar ecosystems
Antarctica · Southern Ocean
Polar organisms and microbiomes reveal biological responses to cold, seasonality and accelerated environmental change.
What gentoo penguin DNA revealsScience is a shared endeavour
Biology, mathematics and computing come together in our laboratories and fieldwork, where we also train new researchers.
Host institutions
Universidad de Chile 
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile 
Universidad Andrés Bello 
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso 
Universidad Mayor
Collaborating institutions
Universidad de O’Higgins 
Universidad San Sebastián 
Universidad de Antofagasta
Flagship projects
1000 Genomas Chile
Genomic knowledge and open data to study and conserve Chile’s biodiversity.
Tara · Mission Microbiomes
An international expedition studying ocean microorganisms and their response to environmental change.
Biopark: Science and Nature
A living laboratory project in Frutillar connecting native forest, research and environmental education.
News and activities
All news
On the calendar
-
20 September 2026 to 24 September 2026
30th tRNA Conference
Crete · Greece
-
2 to 6 October 2026
Science Week
National science programme
-
5 October 2026 to 8 October 2026
XLIX Reunión Anual de la Sociedad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Chile (SBBMCh)
La Serena · Chile
CRG in numbers
Research
- scientific publications
- 254
- 2022–2025
- of articles in Q1 + Q2 journals
- 92%
- 2025 · 70% Q1 + 22% Q2
Training
- students mentored
- 178
- 2022–2025
- theses completed
- 88
- 2022–2025
Public engagement
- outreach activities
- +400
- participants reached
- +6.000
- 2022–2025
- schools visited
- +35
- Across 7 regions