ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
List of participating institutions and areas
Institution
Department
Representative
Charge
NANOTECHNOLOGY
UNAM
UAP (Puebla)
CINVESTAV
Centro de
Nanociencias y
Nanotecnología
(Ensenada)
Director
Instituto de Física
CINVESTAV
Querétaro
Dr. Sergio Fuentes Moyado
Dr. Gregorio Hernández
Cocoletzi
Dr. Gerardo Trápaga
Martínez
Instituto de
Investigaciones en
Materiales
Dr. Luis Sansores Cuevas
Director
Instituto de Física
Dirección general
Dr. José Luis Lucio Martínez Director
Dr. René Asomoza y Palacio General Director
Director
Director
MATERIAL
SCIENCES
UNAM
Univ. De
Guanajuato
CINVESTAV
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Centro de
Investigación en
IPN
Cómputación
Dr. Jaime Alvarez Gallegos
División de Física
Aplicada, Optica,
Ciencias de la
Computación,
Electrónica y
CICESE
Telecomunicaciones Dr. Horacio Soto Ortíz
Instituto Tecnológico
de Tijuana
Dr. Ignacio Rivero Espejel
Director
Departmental Director
Coordinator of
Postgraduate Studies
BIOTECHNOLOGY
UNAM
UAM-Izt
UANL
CICY
INECOL
Instituto de
Biotecnología
Biotecnología
Instituto de
Biotecnología
Biotecnología
Biotecnología y
Bioremedación
Dr. Javier Soberón Mainero
Dr. Gustavo Viniegra
González
Coordinator of
External Relations
Dra. Katiushka Arévalo Niño
Dr. Sergio Peraza Sánchez Head of Area
Dra. Eugenia Judith Olguín
Palacios
Coordinator of 4 units
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
GEO SCIENCES
UNAM
Instituto de Geofísica Yamamoto Victorio Jaime
UNAM
Consejos
Académicos de Área Dr. Dante Morán Zenteno
UANL
Facultad de Ciencias
de la Tierra
Dr. Cosme Pola Simuta
Full time researcher
Academic Coordinator
of the Department of
Physics, Mathematics
and Engineering
Deputy Director
External Relations and
Special Projects
CONACYT
Dra. María Cristina Revilla
Monsalve
Directora de
Investigación Básica
List of institutions and areas
Institution
Area
Internet
Instituto de Biotecnología de la
UNAM
Universidad Autónoma
Metropolitana
UAM Iztapalapa
Instituto Nacional de Ecología,
Mexico City
CICY, Mérida
UANL Universidad Autónoma
de Nuevo León
UNAM
CICESE, Ensenada
Biotechnology
www.ibt.unam.mx
Biotechnology
www.izt.uam.mx
Biotechnology
www.ine.gob.mx
Biotechnology
Biotechnology,
Geosciences
Geosciences
Information Technology,
Informatics
Information Technology,
Informatics
Information Technology
http://www.cicy.mx
www.uanl.mx
Nanotechnology
http://www.cnyn.unam.mx
Nanotechnology
www.buap.mx
CINVESTAV: Querétaro
Nanotechnology
http://qro.cinvestav.mx/web/Materiales/
UNAM:Centro de Física
Aplicada y Tecnología
Avanzada, Juriquilla
CINVESTAV: México City
Material Sciences
http://www.fata.unam.mx
Material Sciences
www.cinvestav.mx
Universidad de Guanajuato,
Guanjuato
Material Sciences
www.ugto.mx
IPN: Centro de Investigación
en Computación (México City)
I.I.T – Instituto Tecnológico de
Tijuana
UNAM:Centro de
Nanociencias y
Nanotecnología, Ensenada
BUAP: Benemérita
Universidad de Puebla
CONACYT, National Council
for Sciences and Technology
www.unam.mx
www.cicese.mx
www.cic.ipn.mx
http://isc.tectijuana.mx
www.conacyt.mx
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
Universidad Autónoma Nacional de México (UNAM)
The National Autonomous University of Mexico is the largest public
university in Mexico. It was founded on September 21, 1551.
It is the largest university in Latin America and considered to be the most
significant of all universities in the region, and also the most important
university in the Spanish-speaking world.
In addition, it is the only university in Mexico with three Nobel Prize winners among its former
students: Alfonso García Robles (Peace), Octavio Paz (Literature), and Mario Molina
(Chemistry).
UNAM has excelled in many areas of research and houses many of Mexico's premiere research
institutions. In recent years it has attracted students and hired professional scientists from all
over the world (most notably from Russia, India and the United States), which has created a
unique diverse scientific community.
Scientific research at UNAM is divided between faculties, institutes, centers and schools, and
covers a range of disciplines. Some of the more noted institutes include: Institute of Astronomy,
Institute of Biotechnology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Institute of
Physics, Institute of Cell Physiology, Institute of Geophysics, Institute of Engineering, Institute of
Materials Research, Institute of Chemistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and the Applied
Mathematics and Systems Research Institute.
Research centers tend to focus on multidisciplinary problems particularly relevant to Mexico and
the developing world, most notably: Center of Applied Sciences and Technological
Development, which focuses on connecting the sciences to real-world problems (e.g., optics,
nanosciences) and Center of Energy Research, which does world-class research in alternative
energies.
All research centers are open to students from Mexico and around the world.
UNAM's scientific output continues to grow, despite numerous attempts by the Mexican
government to curtail its budget, the University currently producing 60% of all scientific
publications in Mexico.
Por mi raza hablará el espíritu
("For my people will the spirit speak")
Endowment:
19,961.808.003 MXP
President:
José Narro Robles
Staff:
33,141
Students:
286,484
Undergraduates: 158,824 (2006)
Postgraduates: 20,747 (2006)
Motto:
www.unam.mx
- Instituto de Biotecnología de la UNAM:
www.ibt.unam.mx
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología de la UNAM: www.cnyn.unam.mx
- Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada de la UNAM: www.fata.unam.mx
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
Instituto Politécnico Nacional, IPN
The National Polytechnic Institute is one of the largest and finest public
universities in Mexico. Based primarily in Mexico City and its suburbs, it offers
over 64 different undergraduate and 114 graduate programs to some 87,000
students.
The Institute was founded on January 1, 1936 during the administration of
President Lázaro Cárdenas in what had been previously known as the Ex
hacienda Santo Tomás.
The Institute is organized around 77 academic units including 24 university
colleges, 15 scientific and technical research centers, 11 continuing education
centers and 16 vocational high schools located primarily in Mexico City,
although several extension and research facilities are distributed over 15
different states.
Some units (particularly the semi-autonomous, internationally renowned Cinvestav) enjoy a high
degree of academic and budgetary freedom. The Institute as a whole is headed by a Directorgeneral appointed by the President of Mexico, usually (but not always) after some consultation
with members of its academic community. Since 2003 its Director-general is José Enrique Villa
Rivera.
In addition its academic endeavors, and as part of its cultural promotion strategy, the Institute
operates Canal Once, the oldest public broadcast service in Latin America featuring original
cultural, scientific, and entertainment programming, foreign shows and classic, rare, and noncommercial films from all over the world.
As of 2006 the Institute was offering 64 undergraduate programs leading to four or five-years
bachelor's degrees and 114 graduate programs leading to 24 postgraduate diplomas, 63
master's degrees and 27 doctorate degrees.
Motto:
Established:
Director-general:
Students:
Undergraduates:
Postgraduates:
La técnica al servicio de la patria
1936
José Enrique Villa Rivera
137,809 (2006)
82,808 (2006)
4,922 (2006)
www.ipn.mx
Centro de Investigación en Computación del IPN www.cic.ipn.mx
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional
(CINVESTAV)
The Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic
Institute is a Mexican non-governmental scientific research organization
founded on 17 April 1961 by decree of then-president Adolfo López Mateos.
Cinvestav is affiliated to Mexico's National Polytechnic Institute and receives an
annual subsidy from the government to fund its operations.
Established:
Type:
Endowment:
Director:
Staff:
Location:
1961
Public
$79 259 780 USD (2000)
René Asomoza Palacio
2518 (2000)
Several across Mexico
www.cinvestav.mx
CINVESTAV Querétaro www.qro.cinvestav.mx
Universidad de Guanajuato
The University of Guanajuato is a university based in the Mexican state of
Guanajuato, made up of about 26,000 students in programs ranging from high
school level to the doctorate level. Over 10,000 of those are pursuing
undergraduate, masters, and doctorate degrees. The university offers 122
academic programs, including 9 doctorates, 28 masters programs, and 53
bachelor's degrees. The university has schools in nine cities throughout the state
of Guanajuato. It is the only school in Mexico whose main building appears in an
official banknote (mil pesos).
The university traces its history back to the educational institute called the Hospice of the Holy
Trinity, which was established on October 1, 1732. On August 29, 1827, upon the signing of the
first constitutional government, the school changed its name to the College of the Immaculate
Conception and fell under government responsibility. Programs founded around this time
included Mining, Law, Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. In 1831, a library was established.
The name of the college changed again in 1867, this time to the National College of
Guanajuato. During the following decade, technical programs at the school grew rapidly, as did
research. Finally, in 1945, the college changed its name to the University of Guanajuato, and
the school was granted autonomy by the state legislature beginning on May 21, 1994.
www.ugto.mx
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada
(CICESE)
Created in 1973 by the Mexican Federal Government, the Centro de
Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja
California,is a center for scientific research and higher education. It is part of a
system of public research centers of the National Council of Science and
Technology (CONACYT). Over three decades the CICESE become one of the
main scientific centers of Mexico. The research and teaching activities take
place in the four divisions that conform the institution: Experimental and Applied Biotechnology,
Earth Sciences, Applied Physics and Oceanology, focus on aquaculture, biology,
biotechnology, climatology, computer science, ecology, electronics, geosciences, geophysics,
geology, instrumentation, meteorology, microbiology, biological oceanography, physical
oceanography, optics, optoelectronic, seismology, informational technologies,
telecommunications and telematics.
The CICESE has a faculty of 176 researchers and 197 technicians who are highly specialized in
areas of national priority. The CICESE maintains excellent academic relations with other
institutions in the country and abroad. The CICESE graduate programs are completely
research-oriented.
With more than 30 years of experience, CICESE is an important institution in the national
scientific context. It is an institution of academic excellence which supports national
development, the formation of human resources, and which contributes to the generation of
knowledge.
The CICESE facilities include eight modern buildings which house laboratories, classrooms, a
specialized library, supercomputing equipment, connection to Internet 2, the oceanographic
vessel Francisco de Ulloa, and valuable seismological and oceanographic instrumentation.
The CICESE was created in 1973 after efforts from the CONACYT and the UNAM to create an
institution that helped decentralize education (since 80% of scientific and technology research
was done in Mexico City) in Mexico.
The institution formed part of the design group to produce the first satellite 100% designed and
built in Mexico. The other major partners were the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
the National Polytechnic Institute.
www.cicese.mx
Instituto Nacional de Ecología
www.ine.gob.mx
INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY (INECOL)
Mission
The Institute of Ecology, A.C. is a public research institution that generates scientific knowledge,
develops technologies and trains professionals in ecology, biodiversity and natural resource
management for the conservation of Mexico's natural heritage and the social and economic
development of the country.
Vision
To become a centre of excellence and leader in the environmental sciences and study of
biodiversity.
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
Within an international scenery of environmental degradation and global change, INECOL
should project an image of leadership in the field of bioremediation and restoration based on
successful projects and viable technological solutions.
Strategic Objectives
• Generate scientific knowledge
• Train highly qualified professionals
• Strengthen the ties between the productive, public and social sectors
• Maintain the biological collections and the biological heritage in its charge
Research Areas
Ecology
Ecophysiology
Soil biology
Landscape ecology
Ecological interactions
Population and community dynamics
Evolutionary ecology and biogeography
Conservation of monkey populations
Behavioural ecology of deer
Subsocial behavior in beetles
Foraging and reproductive behaviour in birds
Reproductive behavior and biological control of fruit flies
Systematics
Terrestrial flora and fauna inventories
Phylogenetic relationships and evolution
Biogeography and patterns of endemism
Conservation biology
Flora of the Bajío region
Flora of the state of Veracruz
Resource Management
Predictive model development for ecological and environmental dynamics
Wood technology and forest products
Sustainable development of coastal zones
Sustainable water use
Phycoremediation and phytoremediation
Biological resource use
Clean bioprocesses for sustainable water use
Soil fertility restoration and increase
Recycling of agroindustrial residues
Conservation
Propagation of endangered species, and those at risk of extinction
Behaviour of terrestrial and freshwater turtles
Services
• Land use policy
• Management studies and programs for protected natural areas
• Ecological description and environmental diagnosis
• Environmental impact assessment studies
• Studies for the management of natural resources (water, forests)
• Identification, inventorying and rescue of flora and fauna
• Ecosystem restoration
• Preparation of technical and scientific guidelines for environmental planning and preparation of
norms and standards for the protection and sustainable use of natural resources
• Preparation of geographic information systems
• Training of technical personnel
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
• Certification of wood products
• Ecological risk and impact studies
• Water, soil and plant material analysis
Field stations
• La Mancha Centre for Coastal
Research - CICOLMA (Veracruz)
• Desert Laboratory
(Mapimí Biosphere Reserve, Durango)
• Piedra Herrada Field Station
(Michilía Biosphere Reserve, Durango)
Collections
Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanical Garden
(live collections of several groups, Xalapa, Veracruz)
Xalapa herbarium, XAL (Xalapa, Veracruz)
Bajío herbarium, IEB (Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
Insect collection, IEXA (Xalapa, Veracruz)
Ceparium (Xalapa, Veracruz)
Wood collection (Xalapa, Veracruz)
PostGraduate Studies Programs:
M. Sc. and Ph.D. Programs
The postgraduate programs are aimed at training students to carry out original scientific
research, and to apply their scientific and technological knowledge to contribute to the solution
of local, regional and global environmental problems. THE UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE
NUEVO LEON
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE PUEBLA
1. General
Rector. Enrique Agüera Ibañez
Dean of Graduate School: Juan Francisco Rivas Silva
Department Chairman: Gregorio Hernández Cocoletzi
Type of Institution: University
Control: Public
Setting: Urban
2. Number of Faculty Members in the Department The combined total of full time faculty
members in the three professorial ranks is 29. The combined total of full-time, part-time, and
other faculty members at all ranks is 30.
3. Admission, Financial Aid, and Housing
Address admission inquiries to: Secretario Académico, Instituto de Física, UAP, Apdo. Postal J48, 72570 Puebla, Puebla, México, Tel. No.: (+52-222) 229 5610 Fax No.; (+52-222) 229
5611
Graduate application fee required: No
Admission deadline (Fall period): 8/25
Admission information: For the fall period, 2007-2008, 19 students were accepted out of 57
applicants.
Admission requirements: For admission to the graduate programs, a Bachelor's degree in
physics or related areas is required with no minimum undergraduate GPA specified. The GRE is
not required. The GRE Advanced is not required. Proficiency in Spanish is required. Passing an
admission exam and/or attend and pass prerequisite courses is required for the Master's
degree. Passing an admission exam is required for the Doctorate degree.
Undergraduate preparation assumed: Reif, Statistical and Thermal Physics; Marion, Classical
Dynamics of Particles and Systems; Reitz, Milford, and Christy, Foundations of Electromagnetic Theory; Arfken, Mathematical Methods for Physicists, 2nd ed.; Merzbacher, Quantum
Mechanics.
Address financial aid inquiries to: Secretario Académico, Instituto de Física, UAP, Apdo, Postal
J-48, 72570 Puebla, Puebla, México.
GAPSFAS application required: No
Financial aid deadline: 5/30
Loans available: No
Address housing inquiries to: Secretario Académico, Instituto de Física, UAP, Apdo. Postal J48, 72570 Puebla, Puebla,
México.
On-campus, single student housing available: No
On-campus, married student housing available: No
4. Graduate Degree Requirements
Physics;
Master: 9 courses (with a minimum combined grade average of 8, scale from 0 to 10) are
required. During the second year the student must pass a qualifying examination. Altematively,
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
to write a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. The program must be completed
within 2 years. The M.Sc. is a terminal program.
Doctorate: 3 advanced courses are required. During the second year of the program the student
must pass a preliminary examination. The student must write a dissertation based on original
research and must have at least one paper accepted for publication in a recognized journal prior
to the final examination.
Thesis: Thesis may be written in absentia.
Materials Science;
Master: 10 courses (with a minimum combined grade average of 8, scale from 0 to 10) are
required. During the second year the student must pass a qualifying examination. Altematively,
to write a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. The program must be completed
within 2 years. The M.Sc. is a terminal program.
Doctorate: 3 advanced courses are required. During the second year of the program the student
must pass a preliminary examination. The student must write a dissertation based on original
research and must have a paper accepted for publication in a recognized journal prior to the
final examination.
Thesis: Thesis may be written in absentia
5. Extension Centers and Summer Programs
Physics,
Spring and summer programs consisting of (B.S.-level) intensive courses on Modern Physics,
Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Mathematical Methods of Physics are offered as a
prerequisite to enter the M.S. program.
Materials Science,
Spring and summer programs consisting of (B.S.-level) intensive courses on Mathematical
Methods, General Physics, General Chemistry and Thermal Physics are offered as a
prerequisite to enter the M.S. program.
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
THE COMPUTING RESEARCH CENTER (CIC).
INSTITUTO PLOLITECNICO NACIONAL (IPN)
The main activities of the CIC:
1. Do basic and applied research in Computer Science and Computing Engineering.
2. Prepare human resources (M. Sc and Ph.D) students in Computer Science and
Computing Engineering.
These activities are made through the following academic groups:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Data Base and Software Technology
Parallel and Distributed Computing
Artificial Intelligence
Natural Language Processing
Geo-Spatial Information Intelligent Processing
Real Time and Automation
Digital Signal Processing
Pattern Recognition
Mathematical Modeling and System Simulation
Microelectronics and Embedded Systems
These groups include the following academic human resources:
55 Permanent Researchers.
70 Ph. D. Students
12 M. Sc. Students
25 Specialization Students.
The CIC has graduated 10 Ph. D. and 35 M.Sc. in 2007.
Research Groups at the CIC
The Pattern Recognition Group consists of:
4 Senior researchers and 25 students.
The main research areas in this group are:

Image Analysis.

Mathematical Morphology.

Neural Network and Associative Memories.

Visual Control.

Remote Perception.

Hardware Architectures for Image Analysis.
The Artificial Intelligence Group consists of:
6 Senior researchers and 32 students.
The main research areas in this group are:

Image Analysis.

Mathematical Morphology.

Associative Memories.

Geometric Algebra.

Natural Language Processing.
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
The Natural Language Processing Group consists of:
4 Senior researchers and 12 students.
The main research areas in this group are:

Information Retrieval.

Development of Lexical Resources.

Development of Syntactical Analyzers and Grammars.

Sense Word Disambiguation.

Text Alienation.
The Micro-Technology and Embedded Systems Group consists of:
7 Senior researchers and 12 students.
The main research areas in this group are:

Computer Architectures.

Hardware Description Languages.

Microprocessors Design.

Embedded Operating Systems.
The Real Time and Automation Group consists of:
5 Senior researchers and 10 students.
The main research areas in this group are:

Virtual Instrumentation.

Monitoring and Prediction.

Intelligent Control and Automation.

Local Data Network and Internet.

Mechatronics System Design.
The Digital Signal Processing Group consists of:
5 Senior researchers and 8 students.
The main research areas in this group are:

Real Time System Analysis.

Physical and Biological Digital Signal Processing.

Voice and Speech Recognition Processing.

Signal Synthesis for Especial Effects.
At the CIC some academic meetings are organized, for example:








International Seminar in Computer Science
Summer School on Image and Robotics
Magnum International Conference in Computer Science.
International Conference on Intelligent ProCessing of Text and Computational
Linguistics (CICLING).
International Conference on Control, Virtual Automation and Digital Systems (CICINDI).
International Conference on Geo-Processing(GEOS).
International Conference on Neural Networks and Associative Memories (NNAM).
International Conference on Computer Sciencie (CIC).
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
THE UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE NUEVO LEON
The Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon is one of the most important higher education
institutions of México and Latin America, is an institution at the service of society,
decentralized from the State, with a full legal capacity.
Is located in the Monterrey metro area, in the state of Nuevo Leon. Nuevo Leon is in the
northeastern region of the country and borders the Mexican states of Coahuila, San Luis
Potosi, and Tamaulipas, plus Texas in the United States.
The Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon has the core mission of forming technicians,
professionals, professors and researchers, as well as performing and fostering scientific
research in its basic and applied forms, taking into account both regional and national problems.
It also organizes, takes part in and foments the artistic creation in its diverse forms of
expression, in addition to creating a link between the community and culture, plus contributing
to the preservation of cultural, national and universal patrimony.
The UANL is comprised of 26 colleges, 22 graduate divisions, 29 academically-oriented highschools, 1 research center for bilingual education, and three technical high schools. We offer 43
technical high-school programs, 12 technical degrees, 67 undergraduate programs, 60 specialty
programs, 69 master's programs, and 25 doctoral programs.
Currently, the University has more than 115,000 students and 7000 professors
Research
The purposes of the UANL are organize, carry out and promote the scientific research in its
basic and applied forms, basically into account the regional, national and international condition
and issues.
With 230 national researchers awarded by Mexico's National Council for Science and
Technology (CONACYT), and more than 400 ongoing basic and applied research projects, the
UANL is the strongest research-university in northeastern Mexico. The number of SNI
researchers at our institution is higher than that of all public and private institutions combined in
Nuevo Leon. We publish more than six peer-reviewed journals in different fields of knowledge;
and our researchers publish more than 300 papers in indexed journals annually.
The research at the UANL are distributed into the follow field:
Technology and Engineering
Natural Science
Social Science
Health Science
Mathematical Science
Agronomics Science
Education
Arts and Humanities
The UANL has a Center for Business Incubation and Technology Transfer:
This center was opened to promote research and the incubation of high-tech business. It offers
different services such as development, licensing and commercialization of products invented
through the university's research, and its efficient transfer to the industry and other productive
sectors. The core purpose of the center is to link technological research with industry to satisfy
the society's demands
The World trade Center at the UANL integrates all the services related to international trade
under the same concept and franchise with WTC in New York. The UANL is now connected to a
world-wide network of 350 WTC in 98 countries, putting itself in the vanguard in foreign trade.
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology is considered an strategic area into the UANL, this field is developed in several
Colleges (Medicine, Agronomy, and Biological Sciences School).
The Biological Sciences School has the Institute of Biotechnology where sixteen academic and
researches work together in four main fields.
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Biotechnology Institute is to train highly competitive and innovative human
resources through academic and research activities into the biotechnology field; to contribute to
national and international social, technological and economic development.
VISION STATEMENT
Our goal is to become a national and international leader in training human resources with
leading skills carrying out competitive and innovative research in biotechnology.
RESEARCH
The research in the Biotechnology Institute of the School of Biological Sciences is focus in
agricultural, industrial, environmental and human and animal health areas to obtain products,
develop processes and generate services.
Agricultural Biotechnology
Basic and applied research with microorganisms for the development of products and
processes in order to improve the quality and/or productivity of agricultural crops. Special
attention is paid to the biological control of agricultural, forestry and public health pest by
performing Genomic and Biochemical studies of entomopathogens microorganisms employed
as bioinsecticides. In addition, new typification methods are being developed.
Research Projects
• Isolation, identification and characterization of microorganisms for the development of
processes in the biological control of agricultural, forestry and
public health pest, focus in Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria and Paecilomyces
fumosoroseus, Beauveria bassiana and Metharhizum anisopliae, fungi.
• Development of processes and products for the utilization of agricultural waste.
• Structural and functional genomics of Bacillus thuringiensis and other
entomopathogens.
• Development of methods for the molecular detection of transgenic organisms and the
agricultural sanitary state.
• Development and evaluation of formulated bioinsecticides of Bacillus thuringiensis and
other entomopathogens microorganisms, (bioassays in laboratory and greenhouse)
Industrial Biotechnology
Basic and applied research with microorganisms using traditional and recombinant DNA
technologies for the development of products and processes transferable to the industrial
sector. Wild and genetically modified microorganisms are developed and studied to be used in
industrial processes. In addition, bioprocesses for the production and recovery of these
microorganisms and their metabolites are developed and optimized.
Research Projects
• Isolation, biochemical characterization and engineering of protein.
• Microorganism bioengineering through gene cloning and expression for the production
of recombinant proteins in genetically modified organisms, paying special attention to
methylotrophic yeasts as host organism.
• Design and optimization of bioprocesses for the production of recombinant proteins in
genetically modified organisms, paying special attention to the use of methyotrophic
yeasts as host organism.
• Development, optimization and scaling-up of bioprocesses for the production of
bioinsecticides from Bacillus thuringiensis and entomopahtogenic fungi.
• Development of bioplastic films based on polysaccharides from agriculture and sea
food waste and their industrial application.
• Isolation and characterization of native fungi producers of laccasse, and others
oxidative enzymes, and their industrial application.
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
Human and Animal Biotechnology
Research with microorganisms applied to the development of products and processes that
impact on human and animal health, as well as on cattle and aquaculture production. Special
attention is paid to the selection, characterization and application of biomolecules for the
development of antitumor and antibiotic drugs; as well as products that favor the implementation
of diagnostic methods.
Research Projects
• Development of diagnostic systems for infectious diseases.
• Production of recombinant proteins to be applied in shrimp-based nutrition.
• Obtaining microbiological products potentially important for human or animal health.
• Identification and production of microbial compounds with antitumor activity.
• Analysis of compounds present in plants about the growth of pathogenic
microorganisms.
Environmental Biotechnology
Basic and applied research with microorganisms to improve the operation of treatment reactors
of sewage water, soluble oil systems and cooling towers, as well as the development of
microbial bioremedial processes.
Research Projects
• Development of processes for the improvement of the operation of treatment reactors
of sewage water, soluble oil systems and cooling towers.
• Generation of microbial bioremediation processes.
• Study of the impact of microbial inoculants introduced to ecosystems.
• Study of the application of biopolymers to the treatment of contaminated effluents.
Finally, the Biotechnology Institute is the seat of the academic program for the Doctorate of
Science specialty in Biotechnology, with recognition of excellence by the CONACYT National
Postgraduate Program, and the consolidated Academic Group on Biotechnology, one of the
four currently existing at the University.
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION CIENTIFICA DE YUCATAN (CICY)
(Scientific Research Center of Yucatan)
Mérida, Yucatán, México
CICY is a Mexican public research center where scientific and technological investigation is
being done in the areas of Plant Biology, Natural Resources, and Material Science for the
sustainable development of Mexico. It is also involved in the education of human resources
specialized in the above-mentioned areas with the participation of highly qualified scientists, the
use of frontier technologies, and collaboration with national and foreign institutions. Throughout
its activities, CICY offers solutions and innovative technologies for the advancement of Mexico,
taking advantage of the great variety of natural resources found in the Yucatan peninsula and
around the country. CICY was founded in November 16, 1979, and is one of the research
centers sponsored by the Mexican Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt). All the
scientific activities at CICY are being done through five Research Units allocated in two
campuses.
Biotechnology Unit (UBT). This Unit is focused in both basic and applied research, formation
and training of human resources, developing of new technologies, and advising, training, and
service to industrial and commercial sectors. It is constituted of three research areas: a)
Biopharmaceuticals and biopesticides, b) Genomics, and c) Integrated systems of
micropropagation. Director: Dr. Sergio R. Peraza-Sanchez, dirbt@cicy.mx.
Its projects are principally centered in the study of economically important plant products, such
as agave, coconut, banana, papaya, guava, and native medicinal plants and microorganisms for
the isolation of bioactive metabolites with pharmaceutical and agrochemical properties and for
the construction and analysis of genomic libraries with agroindustrial interest. Also, studies are
being done on
plant species that hyperaccumulate heavy metals for their potential use in bioremediation, and
green microalgae as bioreactors for the production of recombinant proteins of commercial
interest. Some of the technologies that have been developed in this Unit include the in vitro
propagation of blue agave (Agave tequilana), commercially used by Mexican sisal and tequila
producers; a biotechnological system for the propagation of 100% hermaphroditic maradol
papaya; a process for the massive propagation of coconut plants (Cocos nucifera) resistant to
the devastating disease lethal yellowing (LY) that affects not only this species but numerous
other palm species in the Americas; and genomic libraries of banana and the fungus
Mycosphaerella fijiensis that causes the black sigatoka disease in this species.
The research areas with which a bilateral Mexican-German collaboration can be established
through this Unit are:
1. Studies of gene expression as response to contaminants with biotechnological potential
for phytoremediation of water bodies.
2. Studies of biodiversity and tolerant genes to abiotic stress in Carica papaya.
3. Molecular studies on polyploidism in plant species.
4. Studies on wild Solanaceae as sources of genes of biotechnological interest.
5. Studies of biodiversity through molecular markers of plants of agricultural and
biotechnological interest.
6. Isolation and study of genes from plant pathogen fungi.
7. Abiotic stress tolerance in banano.
8. Characterization of genes related with the regeneration and embryogenesis of in vitro
plants.
9. Development of highly efficient propagation systems of in vitro plants.
10. Multiplication of in vitro coco-palm plants.
11. Bioprospection. Wild flora as source of bioactive metabolites.
12. Metabolites with antiprotozoal activity isolated from native plants.
13. Tropical plants and microscopic fungi with biotechnological potential in Agriculture.
14. Metabolites with antimicobacterial activity isolated from wild plants.
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
15. Molecular cloning and characterization of a NPR1 homologue in banana.
16. Bioinformatics applied to the phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of
phytopathogenic fungi.
Materials Science Unit (UMAT). This Unit works in the development of new materials, and in
the technologies to process and recycle them. It generates investigation in: a) Compound
materials, b) Biomaterials, c) Polymers with electric properties, and d) Membranes. Director: Dr.
Manuel Aguilar-Vega, dirumat@cicy.mx.
Among the projects of this Unit are those that study the developing of lighter compound
materials to use in the construction industry, based on traditional materials such as cement, but
looking to create some with greater resistance to fatigue and corrosion. To achieve this, basic
studies are being done on the treatment of the surface to strengthening fibers used to increase
the adhesion among the fiber and the matrix. In addition, research is being done on compound
materials presenting conductivity, with great application for the detection of fissures in solvent
ducts and containers. In the area of biomaterials for medical applications, cements for human
bones and prosthesis are being prepared; also, materials that allow the liberation of nitric oxide
are under study to be used as substitutes for heart valves. Engineered polymers with high
resistance to temperature are being developed to prepare membranes useful in the separation
of combustible gases and coverings used in microcircuits. As well, processes are being
developed to use waste plant materials for the manufacture of plastic products.
The research areas with which a bilateral Mexican-German collaboration can be established
through this Unit are:
1. Preparation of membranes from aromatic polymers to separate gases.
2. Natural and synthetic polymers carrying nitric oxide for cardiovascular applications.
3. Production and characterization of compound materials reinforced with textile fibers.
4. Characterization of compound materials by acoustic techniques.
5. Polymeric compound materials with electroconductivity properties to prevent
electrostatic discharges.
6. Waist plant materials to obtain thermoplastic compound materials.
Biochemistry and Plant Molecular Biology Unit (UBBMP). It is specialized in the
development of basic research in plants that are either of agroindustrial interest or native to the
Yucatan peninsula to generate new knowledge and methodologies in the area of Genetics,
Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Physiology. Its research projects are
enclosed in four areas: a) Abiotic stress and mineral nutrition, b) Biotic stress, c) Morfogenesis
and genetic regulation, and d) Secondary metabolism. Director: Dr. José Juan Zúñiga-Aguilar,
zuniga@cicy.mx.
Natural Resources Unit (URN). The basic and applied research being developed in this Unit is
focused in the development of new models and technologies, and the maintenance of
specialized scientific collections from an ecological, evolutive, and cultural perspective. Its
research is centered in three areas: a) Ecology and management of tropical plant resources, b)
Systematics and Floristic, and c) Diversity and evolution of phytogenetic resources. Director:
Rafael Durán-García, rduran@cicy.mx.
Study and Management of Water Resources Unit (CEA). This Unit, allocated in Cancun,
Mexico, contributes to the sustainable utilization and management of hydraulic resources of the
Yucatan peninsula, mostly underground water, in terms of its abundance and quality. Work is
being done in two simultaneous trends: a) Hydrogeology, and b) Water quality. Director: Mario
Rebolledo-Vieyra, marior@cicy.mx.
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ROADSHOW Mexican Research Institutes and Universities, Germany, June 2008
INSTITUTO DE GEOFISICA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTONOMA DE MEXICO
HISTORY
The Institute of Geophysics begins its research activities in 1949. At present its research
activities covers a wide spectrum of the sciences of the earth that includes theoretical and
experimental studies applied mainly toward the solution of the national problems.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
Research in geophysics and planetary sciences.
Teaching programs and formation of specialized human resources.
Consultant of the Federal Government and society on geophysics and related phenomena.
ACADEMIC PERSONAL
The Institute have 64 researchers all of them with doctor degree and 47 qualify technicians.
RESEARCH DEPARTMENTS
The Institute has five research departments and three National Services.
 Seismology
 Volcanology
 Geomagnetism and Geophysical Exploration
 Natural Resources
 Solar and Planetary research
 National Seismological Service. Fifty seismological station network all over the country
and fourteen in the Valley of Mexico
 National Mareographic Service
 National Magnetic Service
RESEARCH LABORATORIES
The Institute in collaboration with other research groups maintain operating three full equipped
laboratories.
 Petrology Lab
 Radiocarbon Lab
 Geochemical Isotopic Lab
POST GRADUATE PROGRAMS
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Master and Doctorate program
High Specialization programs
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Seismicity and Vulcanism
Disasters prevention caused by natural phenomena
Natural resources exploration
Underground water
Solar and Planetary topics
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