The Center for Advanced Studies in Arid Zones (CEAZA), is a Regional Center for Scientific and Technological Research in the Region of Coquimbo.
It was founded in 2003, after the Second Competition for the Creation of Regional Units of Scientific and Technological Development, and thanks to the joint project of the University of La Serena (ULS), the Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) and the Institute of Agricultural Research INIA-Intihuasi); together with the financing of CONICYT and the Regional Government of Coquimbo (GORE Coquimbo).
It is composed of almost fifty scientists, supported in various areas by a team of professionals and technicians, totaling more than a hundred people.
Its facilities are in the Campus Andrés Bello of the University of La Serena (ULS), in the Campus Guayacán of the Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN). It also has offices in Av. Ossandón 877, Coquimbo.
As of June 2008, the Center obtains its legal personality as a non-profit private corporation.
The CEAZA and its institutional development have become one of the priorities of the work plan of the Regional Government of Coquimbo, which is manifested in the constant financing that has delivered during the years of existence of the corporation.