Universidad Panamericana and La Sabana University in Colombia have solidified a strategic alliance through the creation of the Bilateral Fund, an initiative that strengthens academic and scientific collaboration between the two institutions.
This project, which has its roots in a relationship that began in 2002, has come to fruition after years of student exchanges, joint research projects, and a shared vision for the internationalization of knowledge.
Objectives of the Bilateral Fund
The Bilateral Fund aims to strengthen an international research network between the two institutions by supporting projects with significant research impact and social relevance.
Main objectives:
- Strengthen research collaboration by funding interdisciplinary projects.
- Promote internationalization by facilitating scientific exchange between Mexico and Colombia.
- Develop multidisciplinary research teams capable of addressing global challenges.
- Generate tangible social impact by applying knowledge to address current issues.
Strategic areas of collaboration:
| University of La Sabana | Universidad Panamericana |
| Full Human Life (VITA) | Technology for the Industry of the Future |
| Bioeconomy, Renewable Energy, and Sustainability (BEES) | Ethics, Culture, and Society |
| Peace Culture, Citizenship, and Family (PACIFICUS) | Human Rights |
| Digital Society and Competitiveness (SOCIETALIA) | Bioethics |
First Call: A Successful Launch with Valuable Lessons
The Bilateral Fund was launched on November 27, 2024, at a hybrid event that brought together more than 100 researchers. During the Brokerage Events, common issues were identified, and interdisciplinarity was promoted in areas such as:
Work-Life Balance
Biomedicine and Health
Environment and Biodiversity
Information and Communication Technologies
Energy
Food Security and Nutrition
Parenting Challenges in Marginalized Urban Environments
Education and Personal Development in Contexts of Poverty
Mental Health and Family Well-Being
Key data:
- Mental Health and Family Well-being was the most popular topic (33.3% interest).
- Information Technologies ranked second (30.4%).
- 15 proposals were finalized with the participation of 89 researchers.
Selected Projects and Institutional Lessons Learned
Five projects were selected for their interdisciplinary approach and potential to address strategic challenges in both countries.
Key lessons learned:
- Interdisciplinarity requires purposefully designed spaces and consistent practice.
- Collaboration between institutions requires coordination, flexibility, and a willingness to cooperate.
- The Bilateral Fund is just the beginning of a binational community committed to social impact.
Future Vision: Expansion and Academic Commitment
Universidad Panamericana and the University of La Sabana hopes that this fund will continue to grow, bring in new partners, increase its resources, and offer more opportunities to researchers committed to social impact, applied science, and international collaboration.
The research offices of both institutions express their gratitude for the enthusiasm and feedback they have received, which motivates them to continue improving. Because international academic cooperation is not just a strategy—it is a conviction.
