January 27, 2026

IMEF Names UP’s Dr. Francisco Ortiz Arango Among the 50 Most Influential Researchers in Mexico

The Mexican Institute of Finance Executives (IMEF) celebrated its 50th anniversary with an unprecedented milestone: the presentation of its first-ever awards recognizing outstanding research careers.

Among the 50 award recipients is Dr. Francisco Ortiz Arango, a professor and researcher at the School of Economics and Business at Universidad Panamericana a Level II member of the National System of Researchers (SNII).

For Dr. Ortiz Arango, who has served at Universidad Panamericana for more than 37 consecutive years, this recognition is of great significance, as IMEF is perhaps the most highly regarded institution in Mexico in the field of finance.

A Pioneer in Quantum Finance and Artificial Intelligence Applications

Dr. Ortiz Arango was among the first researchers in Latin America to explore quantum finance and the application of neural networks to the financial sector.

“We were pioneers in Latin America, at least in the field of quantum finance. In fact, I was the first in Latin America to address these topics. And when it comes to applications of neural networks, in Latin America—at least in Mexico—we were also among the first,” he stated.

However, he emphasized a crucial shift in his approach: the transition from abstract research to solving concrete problems.

“Gradually, we have been shifting our focus, because in the past we conducted more theoretical research.”

Research with Immediate and Strategic Impact

Among his most significant recent research projects, Dr. Ortiz Arango highlighted two in particular: a model for the energy transition and an analysis of the economic impact of crime on businesses.

Regarding the first point, he explained:

“We developed a model to examine how, given the current capacity of the Mexican power grid, it could be managed to achieve the goals set forth in the Energy Transition Law and the international commitments made by the Mexican government.”

With regard to the second point, he emphasized its immediate relevance:

“It analyzes the impact on investment and on business operations themselves, because when goods are lost or extortion payments and delays occur, this leads to increased costs and a loss of competitiveness.”

Universidad Panamericana: An Ecosystem for Purpose-Driven Research

Dr. Ortiz Arango emphasized the fundamental role that Universidad Panamericana has played in this process by creating the conditions necessary for knowledge to translate into societal impact.

“Any university worthy of the name must engage with the knowledge it generates—whether theoretical or applied—through interactions with industry, government, and public policy,” he stated.

He added:

“Fortunately, Universidad Panamericana successfully made this transition, investing sufficiently in its resources to focus on applying the knowledge it generates for the benefit of society.”

“Very few public or private institutions have the favorable conditions that we have to conduct research, implement it, translate it into public policy, and bring it to society,” he added.

Educating with Purpose: The Three Pillars of the UP Researcher

For young scholars seeking to follow in his footsteps, Dr. Ortiz Arango summarized his philosophy into three fundamental pillars:

Solid training: “Strengthen your education. Build a solid theoretical foundation so that when you tackle practical problems, you can understand them.”
Academic humility: “One must have an open mind and professional humility. It is essential to learn how to listen.”
Service-oriented attitude: “Perhaps the most important. If we do not have a spirit of service, no matter how brilliant or knowledgeable we may be, if we lack the attitude to serve society, it does not amount to much.”

Finally, Dr. Ortiz Arango concluded:

“I am deeply grateful to Universidad Panamericana giving me the opportunity to begin my career as a teacher at Prepa UP 37 years ago, and for allowing me to work on various projects within the university and to grow as a professor and researcher.”

The award presented by IMEF to Dr. Ortiz Arango not only recognizes an exemplary career, but also underscores Universidad Panamericanacommitment to scientific and applied research that drives Mexico’s economic development.