The VIII Latin American Symposium on Nuclear Physics and Applications (LASNPA) covered many topics including nuclear structure and reactions; nuclear and particle astrophysics; the study of matter and the strong force in the framework of quantum chromodynamics (QCD); tests of fundamental symmetries and the properties of neutrinos; applications of nuclear physics in medicine, art/archeology, energy, and national security; and advances in nuclear instrumentation and facilities. The meeting also included plenary presentations on the nuclear energy issue that attracted significant local media attention. These LASNPA Symposia are playing a key role in establishing and forging links among the many nuclear physics communities in Latin America. And with the growing importance of these meetings, it is anticipated that the LASNPA will continue to strengthen nuclear science within and throughout Latin America and will serve as a springboard for further strengthening ties between the Latin American nuclear physics communities and their colleagues worldwide.