Conducting applied research that has a tangible impact on people’s lives is no easy task. Historically, Mexico has excelled in basic science. However, in recent years, efforts to give practical use to scientific findings have increased.
With events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, the need to conduct research that helps us ensure that our activities, products and services are safe and do not harm others or the planet has increased.
An example of an institution that seeks to move towards this is the School of Engineering and Sciences (EIC) at Tec de Monterrey. “We are evolving towards the generation of applied knowledge that has a positive impact,” says Daniel Jacobo, Associate Dean of Research and Scientific Graduate Studies at EIC in an interview with TecScience.
In its new strategy, research will be focused on three main research cores: health, climate and sustainability, and industrial transformation.
In health, efforts will be to apply biotechnology, nanotechnology, computer science and electronics to improve human health. Their flagship projects will be in aging and food security.
“Part of the population is aging, so it is important to generate technologies, such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and medical devices that improve the quality of life in old age,” says Jacobo.
In climate and sustainability, they will address environmental problems such as climate change, the transition to renewable energy, achieving sustainability, as well as food and water security. Their flagship projects will be in water and sustainable energy.
Finally, in industrial transformation, they will apply digital technologies, artificial intelligence and other innovative processes to manufacturing, production and supply chains. Their flagship projects will be in mobility and industry.
“Something important will be to improve machine-human interaction to make it more efficient and friendly,” explains Jacobo.
Synergy Forum: an Event to Present the New EIC Strategy
These projects will be linked by three strategic initiatives, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and nearshoring. “All of our flagship projects are interconnected,” says Jacobo.
Their new strategy will also include closer collaboration with other Tec schools and institutes, such as the School of Government and Public Transformation (EGTP), the School of Medicine and Health Sciences (EMCS), the Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing (IAMSM), the Institute for the Future of Education (IFE), and the Institute for Obesity Research (IOR).
This new facet will be presented at the Synergy Forum, an event that will take place in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey on separate dates throughout August 2024.
Researchers from the participating schools and institutes and from other universities will participate, as well as decision-makers, government, and businesspeople.
