Mexico City, December 4, 2025. The Universidad Panamericana a research milestone of national significance: Dr. Hiram Ponce Espinosa, director of our university's Center for Innovation and Technological Development, has been admitted as a regular member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences (AMC), one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in Mexico.
Recognition of merit and career achievements
Dr. Ponce described this admission as a reflection of his commitment to science and innovation.
"Becoming a regular member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences represents a personal achievement for me the result of my consistency, commitment, and effort that I have made all these years in dedication to my academic and professional training," he said. He added that, on a professional level, "it represents recognition of my academic, scientific, and technological work."
He also emphasized the competitive nature of the selection process: "It has been a significant challenge, as the admission requirements are usually very competitive and difficult to meet, as the Mexican Academy of Sciences is an institution of the highest recognition in the country."
A rigorous process and ongoing commitment
The admission process to the AMC requires nomination by an active member, demonstration of consistent scientific output, training of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students, participation in funded projects, as well as evidence of leadership and independent research.
Once admitted, rights include integration into a scientific collaboration network and access to academic activities.
The commitments, for their part, are equally significant:
- Be part of one of the Academy's committees.
- Promote scientific research in Mexico.
- Attend its plenary activities.
- Contribute to the Academy's mission of bringing together the scientific community and the state bodies responsible for education, science, and culture in the country.
The UP ecosystem as a platform for growth
Regarding the role of the Universidad Panamericana this achievement, Dr. Ponce acknowledged institutional support as a determining factor: "The Panamericana's research ecosystem has allowed me to build and consolidate my career as a researcher through a culture of scientific production, participation in externally funded projects, applied research, and intellectual property," he said.
Among the fruits of this environment, he highlighted: "With the support of the Universidad Panamericana been able to participate in high-impact international conferences, train students, develop science and technology projects, and obtain two national patents, among other achievements."
Line of research with social impact
Dr. Ponce's main lines of research focus on mechatronic systems and artificial intelligence applied to robotics, health, and education.
He is currently leading a project with high potential for social impact: "I am working on the development of a robot inspired by the walking of chameleons with the aim of implementing them, in the long term, for prevention, monitoring, and rescue activities in complex environments.".
One of the most relevant practical applications is the use of this robot in earthquake disaster areas.
Future goals: continue innovating and training talent
As a new member of the AMC, his goals are clear: "My interest for the coming years is to continue developing the chameleon-inspired robot and contribute to prevention, rescue, and maintenance efforts in urban and electrical sectors."
In addition, it will seek to continue growing internationally by making an impact with its scientific and technological output and remains committed to continuing to train students of academic excellence "who can positively impact our society through the application of scientific knowledge."
An achievement that inspires and strengthens the UP community
For Dr. Ponce, this recognition transcends the individual and becomes a driving force for the entire institution: "I hope that my admission to the Mexican Academy of Sciences will inspire researchers at Panamericana to continue their professional careers, knowing that the support and backing of the university is a driving force for the growth and development of highly qualified researchers."
He also called on the academic community: "I urge researchers at the Universidad Panamericana join in the various activities carried out in the areas of scientific production, applied research, externally funded projects, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship."
Finally, he emphasized the institutional value of this achievement: "I hope that this institutional milestone will serve as inspiration to continue efforts to consolidate the entire UP research ecosystem, knowing that this achievement reflects the positive outcome of the strategies, actions, and guidelines that have been worked on over the years at the institution."
With this distinction, the Universidad Panamericana its commitment to research excellence and its contribution to scientific and technological development in Mexico.
Learn more about research projects at: https://www.up.edu.mx/investigacion-noticias/
