Mexico City, November 27, 2024. Since 2002, the Universidad Panamericana and the University of La Sabana, Colombia, have strengthened their ties through academic exchanges, international internships, and joint research. This relationship was strengthened through the i2LATAMproject, which created new opportunities for academic collaboration, promoting joint work among faculty and researchers from both institutions.
This collaboration reached a new level with the launch of the UPanamericana-UniSabana Bilateral Fund, a joint initiative to fund interdisciplinary projects focused on addressing global challenges through a regional approach.
A bridge connecting nations
The Dr. Sergio Velázquez Rodríguez, Vice President for Research at the Universidad Panamericana, highlighted that the Bilateral Fund not only represents a new opportunity for collaboration but also a symbol of the strategic relationship between both universities and their countries. “This is a special moment, because we are not just signing an agreement; we are building a bridge between two nations that share the aspiration for a more innovative and compassionate future.”
In his remarks, the Dr. Juan Fernando Córdoba, Vice Rector for Faculty and Research at the University of La Sabana, compared the interdisciplinary work to be carried out under this Bilateral Fund to the coordination of an orchestra.
“Getting researchers from different disciplines to work together is like conducting an orchestra without a score: everyone is a virtuoso, but they need a common melody. This bilateral fund was created to orchestrate these collaborations and demonstrate that, with vision and effort, we can tackle the world’s most complex challenges.”
Promoting research in strategic areas
The UPanamericana-UniSabana Bilateral Fund will fund interdisciplinary projects in strategic areas selected by both universities, including:
Universidad Panamericana:
- Technology for the industry of the future.
- Ethics, Culture, and Society.
- Human rights.
- Bioethics.
La Sabana University:
- A Fulfilling Human Life (VITA).
- Bioeconomy, Renewable Energy, and Sustainability (BEES).
- Culture of Peace, Citizenship, and Family (PACIFICUS).
- Digital Society and Competitiveness (SOCIETALIA).
These areas enable researchers to prioritize innovative solutions that address local and global needs, thereby promoting sustainable development.
Call for Applications for Researchers
The Bilateral Fund will offer five grants of $50,000 for projects that must be completed within a maximum of two years. The teams will be composed of researchers from both universities, promoting international cooperation, strengthening innovation, and generating high-impact results.
The team responsible for establishing the fund, led by Abraham Baltazar León Soto, M.A., institutional research coordinator at the Universidad Panamericana, also included Adriana Rosillo, head of research promotion; Mirabell Moscote, head of international cooperation and visibility; and Camila Padilla, Coordinator of International Cooperation and Visibility, all members of the University of La Sabana. This group presented the terms of reference and the timeline for the call for proposals.
An initiative that inspires international collaboration
Dr. Sergio Velázquez Rodríguez highlighted the potential impact of the Bilateral Fund as an inspiration to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. “Our commitment is to continue building bridges and fostering active collaboration that propels research to the international level. This fund is an invaluable opportunity to generate concrete solutions to the challenges we face as a society”.
For his part, the Dr. Córdoba highlighted the transformative power of bringing together talent and resources. “The combination of minds, resources, and talents not only allows us to find solutions but also inspires others to do the same. With firm and confident steps, we move forward together toward a future full of innovation and cooperation.”
Join this great initiative!
This fund marks a new phase in the Universidad Panamericana international collaboration. If you are a researcher looking to participate in high-impact interdisciplinary projects, review the details of the call for proposals and be part of this global transformation.
For more information, please contact Abraham Baltazar León Soto, Esq.: ableon@up.edu.mx
