Mexico City, May 20, 2025.- Universidad Panamericana reinforces its leadership in innovative research and international cooperation by being selected for the 100K Strong in the Americas program. The project titled “Sustainability in Dairy Processing: A Tri-National Student-Faculty Abroad Program”, led by Dr. Julieta Domínguez-Soberanes, was chosen from over 50 proposals and awarded a $25,000 USD grant.
This initiative addresses one of the major challenges in the food industry: sustainable dairy production, by combining innovation, international collaboration, and climate action.
Innovation and Collaborative Learning for a Sustainable Future
Over a 12-week period, students and faculty from Mexico, Canada, and the United States engaged in a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program focused on sustainability in the dairy industry. The curriculum covered topics such as milk chemistry, circular bioeconomy, food microbiology, and food safety.
The program culminated in the presentation of a tri-national proposal focused on energy and sustainability in dairy processing.
Collaborating with prestigious institutions such as Université Laval (Canada) and California Polytechnic State University (USA) enriched the academic experience and strengthened international partnerships, allowing students to gain a broader global perspective on the challenges facing the food industry.
On-Site Phase: Industry Engagement
A key component of the program was the students’ academic trip to Canada, where they visited dairy processing companies and specialized research centers. These visits allowed them to observe the implementation of sustainable practices—from resource management to final product development.
Immersion in real-world settings enhanced their understanding of bioeconomic processes and the importance of innovation in the sector.
A Legacy of Climate Action and Ongoing Collaboration
One of the program’s most impactful outcomes is the development of collaboration protocols for Climate Action Projects (CAPs) between the participating institutions, as well as ongoing research in food science and technology—particularly in the dairy sector.
These strategies ensure the long-term impact of the initiative by translating collaborative efforts into practical solutions to reduce the environmental footprint of the food industry.
UP’s Commitment to Sustainable Research
Universidad Panamericana reaffirms its commitment to excellence in education, international collaboration, and applied research. This project not only strengthens its position as a leader in sustainability and innovation in the food industry, but also highlights the role of strategic alliances in addressing global challenges.
Through initiatives like this one, Universidad Panamericana continues to educate professionals capable of leading responsible and transformative solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Strategic Alliances for a More Ethical and Efficient Industry
This successful international collaboration was made possible thanks to a committed team of high-level researchers:
- Dr. Guillaume Brisson and Dr. Julien Chamberland, researchers at INAF, Université Laval (Canada).
- Dr. Julieta Domínguez-Soberanes, project leader and professor at Universidad Panamericana (Mexico).
- Dr. Carmen Licon, professor and researcher, California Polytechnic State University (United States).
This project represents a model of cooperation between Mexico, Canada, and the United States—where applied research, academic training, and sustainable innovation converge to address global food and climate challenges.
Together, they have demonstrated that international academic cooperation can generate tangible solutions to issues related to food systems and climate- and energy-related initiatives within the global food industry.
Learn more about research projects at Universidad Panamericana:
https://www.up.edu.mx/investigacion-noticias/
