enero 27, 2026

IMEF Highlights 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 trajectories.

Among the 50 award recipients is Dr. Francisco Ortiz Arango, Professor-Researcher at the Faculty of Economics and Business of Universidad Panamericana and Level II Member of the National System of Researchers (SNII).

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

Pioneer in Quantum Finance and Artificial Intelligence Applications

Dr. Ortiz Arango was among the first researchers in Latin America to address quantum finance and neural networks applied 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 in applications of neural networks, in Latin America—at least in Mexico—we were also among the first,” he stated.

However, he emphasized a crucial evolution in his approach: the transition from abstract research to the solution of 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 impactful 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, he explained:

“We developed a model to examine how, given the current capacities of the Mexican electrical system, it could be managed in order to achieve the goals established in the Energy Transition Law and the international commitments signed by the Mexican government.”

With respect to the second, he underscored 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 interact with the knowledge it generates—whether theoretical or applied—with industry, government, and public policy,” he stated.

He added:

“Fortunately, Universidad Panamericana has 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 his path, Dr. Ortiz Arango summarized his philosophy into three fundamental pillars:

Solid training: “Strengthen your education. Develop a solid theoretical foundation so that when you address 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 for allowing me to begin my career as a teacher at Prepa UP 37 years ago, and for giving me the opportunity to work on different projects within the university and to develop as a professor and researcher.”

The award granted by IMEF to Dr. Ortiz Arango not only honors an exemplary career, but also reinforces Universidad Panamericana’s commitment to scientific and applied research that drives Mexico’s economic development.