Santiago Núñez-Corrales, Ph.D.

Dr. Santiago Núñez-Corrales is a Research Scientist at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Global Studies and Lecturer at the School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In his research, he develops mathematical and computational methods to unveil statistical physics aspects governing complex multiscale stochastic systems, or strongly coupled, heterogeneous open systems whose description requires events at multiple scales, and whose action is dictated by irreversible thermodynamics. Examples of challenges involving such systems include addressing global pandemics, crafting international diplomacy instruments around nuclear non-proliferation, building predictive theories around the organism as a biological unit of interest, designing safe artificially intelligent agents, and improving human organizations. 

Dr. Núñez-Corrales obtained his Doctorate in Informatics University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a minor in Global Studies, and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the Costa Rica Institute of Technology. Prior to this, he served as Director General of Research and Technology Development at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications in Costa Rica, where he directed the development of the National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation 2015-2021 across multiple economic sectors. He was responsible for the development of several long-term science and technology foresight exercises, as well as a national investment strategy for disruptive innovation with global reach. Dr. Núñez-Corrales served as the official country liaison for Costa Rica in the Committee on Science and Technology Policy at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and as an advisory member to its Sub-committee on Inclusive Growth. Finally, he has served as consultant for government, academic and industrial organizations on problem solving using digital technology.