Zapopan, Jalisco, February 23, 2026 — Universidad Panamericana the University of Notre Dame (ND) announced the official launch of the ND–UP Joint Research Grant, a bilateral research fund designed to strengthen academic ties between the two institutions and promote the internationalization of research with global impact.
This joint initiative stems from an academic mission carried out in July 2025 by Dr. Abraham Mendoza Andrade, Rector of the Guadalajara campus, and Abraham Baltazar León Soto, Institutional Head of Research at the Office of the Vice President for Research, who visited the University of Notre Dame to strengthen the strategic partnership and explore new opportunities for scientific collaboration.
The initiative builds on a successful bilateral funding model previously developed with the University of La Sabana (Colombia), further strengthening a high-level international research network.
The virtual launch, held on February 23, brought together nearly 100 researchers from both institutions, reflecting strong academic interest and the strength of this international collaboration. The high level of participation underscores a shared commitment to interdisciplinary research and the development of a global scientific network with social impact.
Key strategic areas at the University of Notre Dame include aerospace and mechanical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, data science and artificial intelligence (AI), literature, and history— highlightingthe multidisciplinary nature of the fund and expanding opportunities for scientific collaboration between Mexico and the United States.
A Strategic Partnership Built on More Than a Decade of Collaboration
During the visit, both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to a vision centered on holistic education, academic excellence, and social transformation—principlesthat have guided the UP–ND partnership for over a decade and have been significantly strengthened over the past five years.
As Dr. Abraham Mendoza noted:
“At Universidad Panamericana, we believe universities must serve as agents of positive change. For more than a decade, we have prioritized purpose-driven research—interdisciplinary, socially relevant, and globally connected. When institutions with shared ideals come together, they inspire one another to aim higher, think bigger, and serve better.”
Abraham Baltazar León Soto emphasized that this milestone is the result of a year of collaborative work with Notre Dame Mexico, as well as the strategic support of key stakeholders who helped bring the bilateral fund to fruition.
A Fund for Purpose-Driven Research with a Global Reach
The ND–UP Joint Research Grant aims to support interdisciplinary projects involving researchers from both universities, in line with their institutional strategic priorities. The call actively promotes faculty and student mobility, as well as the long-term sustainability of projects beyond the initial funding period.
Through this initiative, both institutions aim to:
- Promote bilateral research projects with the potential to secure external funding
- Strengthen academic and student mobility
- Generate high-impact knowledge in strategic areas such as sustainability, health, social transformation, ethics, technology, and innovation
- Build a long-term partnership with global reach
Advancing the Internationalization of Research: A Shared Vision for the Future
The collaboration between Universidad Panamericana the University of Notre Dame is built on a strong foundation that has been reinforced in recent years through high-level academic and research initiatives. This progress has also been driven by the joint efforts of the Corporate Office of International Affairs, led by Gabriela Valdivieso, and Notre Dame Mexico, led by María Mercedes Salmon, whose strategic leadership has been instrumental in consolidating and expanding this international partnership.
Key milestones include:
- Strengthening the strategic alliance through a shared vision of innovation and human values
- International academic workshops, such as those organized by the School of Philosophy on Aristotelian thought
- Academic residencies and international experiences, including Dr. Jaime Olaiz’s residency at Notre Dame
- Academic mobility programs and joint projects in fields such as law, ethics, public policy, and sustainability
These initiatives reflect a mature and growing partnership that is now taking a decisive step forward with the creation of a joint research fund.
Toward a Deeper and More Sustainable Collaboration
The launch of the ND–UP Joint Research Grant marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the two universities. More than just a funding mechanism, this initiative represents a strategic commitment to building lasting academic ties, generating knowledge with social impact, and strengthening an international research network rooted in shared values.
Universidad Panamericana reaffirms its commitment to purpose-driven, globally oriented, and transformative research, recognizing that collaboration between like-minded institutions is essential to addressing today’s most pressing global challenges.
For guidelines, deadlines, and application requirements, please refer to the official calls:
University of Notre Dame:
Universidad Panamericana:
https://www.up.edu.mx/investigacion-convocatorias/
