Mexico City, November 27, 2024. Since 2002, Universidad Panamericana and Universidad de La Sabana, Colombia, have strengthened ties through academic exchanges, international internships and joint research.This relationship was enhanced with the i2LATAM project, which generated new opportunities for academic collaboration, favoring the joint work of professors and researchers from both institutions.
This collaboration has reached new heights with the launch of the UPanamericana-UniSabana Bilateral Fund, a joint initiative to finance interdisciplinary projects focused on solving global challenges with a regional approach.
Bridging nations
Dr. Sergio Velázquez Rodríguez, Vice Rector General for Research at Universidad Panamericana, emphasized that theBilateral Fund not only represents a new opportunity for collaboration, but also a symbol of the strategic relationships between the two universities and their respective countries.“This is a special moment, because we are not just entering into an agreement; we are bridging two nations that share a yearning for a more innovative and supportive future.”
In his speech, Dr. Juan Fernando Córdoba, Vice Rector for Professors and Research at Universidad de La Sabana, compared the interdisciplinary work that will 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: they are all virtuous, but they need a common melody. This bilateral fund was created to orchestrate these collaborations and demonstrate that, with vision and effort, we can meet the world’s most complex challenges.”
Promoting research in strategic areas
The UPanamericana-UniSabana Bilateral Fund will finance interdisciplinary projects in strategic areas which were selected by both universities, including:
Universidad Panamericana:
- Technology for the industry of the future
- Ethics, culture and society
- Human rights
- Bioethics
Universidad de La Sabana:
- A full human life (VITA).
- Bioeconomy, Renewable Energy and Sustainability (BEES).
- Culture of Peace, Citizenship and Family (PACIFICUS).
- Digital Society and Competitiveness (SOCIETALIA).
These areas allow researchers to prioritize innovative solutions that respond to local and global needs, fostering sustainable development.
Open Call for Researchers
The Bilateral Fund will offer five US$50,000 grants for projects to 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 the creation of the fund, led by Abraham Baltazar León Soto, institutional research coordinator at 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 from Universidad de La Sabana. This group presented the terms of reference and the schedule of the call for proposals.
An initiative that inspires international collaboration
Dr. Sergio Velázquez Rodríguez highlighted the potential impact of the Bilateral Fundas an inspiration to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.”Our commitment is to continue building bridges and fostering active collaboration that drives research at international levels. This fund is an invaluable opportunity to generate concrete solutions to the challenges we face as a society.”
In turn, Dr. Córdoba highlighted the transformative power of uniting talents and resources. “The combination of minds, resources and talents not only allows us to find solutions, but also inspires others to do the same. Steadily, we move forward together towards a future full of innovation and cooperation.”
Join this great initiative!
This fund represents a new stage in Universidad Panamericana’s international collaboration. If you are a researcher looking to participate in high-impact interdisciplinary projects, check the details of the call and be part of this global transformation!
For more information, contact Abraham Baltazar León Soto: ableon@up.edu.mx
