Over several years, Sebastian Zuñiga maintained with CES,  a relationship of work and camaraderie marked by an unwavering commitment to the scientific and academic missions of a centre of research excellence, as well as to the values of defending dignity, solidarity and social justice.

He earned his doctorate in Sociology, Post-Colonialisms and Global Citizenship (CES/FEUC), adding this qualification to a Master’s degree in Musicology from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Chile and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Coimbra. The interdisciplinary openness suggested by this educational path was the academic reflection of an intellectual, civic and professional life woven from the search for creative dialogues between science, art, culture and civic and social engagement. In addition to being an investigator and sociologist of excellence, Sebastian Zuñiga was a musician, teacher and activist. He knew how to weave, in an innovative and enthusiastic way, productive intersections between these different fields.

At CES, in addition to his involvement in other activities and research, he was working as a researcher on the European project CONCILIARE: Confidently Changing Colonial Heritage (HORIZON - HERITAGE; 2024-2027), coordinated by Claudino Ferreira. He was also a researcher on the European project UNCHARTED: Understanding, Capturing and Fostering the Societal Value of Culture (Horizon 2020; 2020-2024), coordinated by Nancy Duxbury. In both, he left contributions of inestimable value, reflected not only in the excellent research to which he dedicated himself with unique rigour and commitment, but also in his ability to build bridges and nurture collaborative dialogues between CES and civil society.

For CES and for all those who had the privilege of working with him and spending time in his company, Sebastián Zuñiga will always be remembered as a challenging researcher and a person of inestimable worth. Beyond his unwavering commitment to the scientific mission, what we will treasure forever is his disarming kindness, his deep humility and a heart of rare nobility. To his family, friends and colleagues, CES offers its heartfelt condolences. To Sebastian’s memory, CES pays its respectful tribute.

_09.10.2026