Universidad Panamericana celebrates a nationally significant research milestone: Dr. Hiram Ponce Espinosa, Director of the Center for Innovation and Technological Development at the institution, has been admitted as a Regular Member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences (AMC), one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in Mexico.
Recognition of Merit and Academic Trajectory
Dr. Ponce described this admission as a reflection of his commitment to science and innovation.
“Being admitted as a Regular Member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences represents a personal achievement resulting from my perseverance, commitment, and sustained effort over many years devoted to my academic and professional development,” he stated. He added that, at a professional level, “it represents recognition of my academic, scientific, and technological work.”
He also emphasized the competitive nature of the selection process:
“It has involved a significant challenge, as admission requirements tend to be highly competitive and difficult to meet, given that the Mexican Academy of Sciences is an institution of the highest recognition in the country.”
A Rigorous Process and Ongoing Commitment
The admission process to the AMC requires nomination by an active member, evidence of sustained scientific output, supervision of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, participation in funded research projects, as well as proof of leadership and research independence.
Once admitted, members’ rights include integration into scientific collaboration networks and access to academic activities.
The commitments, in turn, are equally significant:
- Serving on one or more Academy committees
Promoting scientific research in Mexico - Attending plenary activities
- Contributing to the Academy’s mission of articulating the scientific community with state institutions responsible for education, science, and culture
The UP Research Ecosystem as a Platform for Growth
Regarding the role of Universidad Panamericana in this achievement, Dr. Ponce acknowledged institutional support as a determining factor:
“The Panamericana research ecosystem has allowed me to build and consolidate my trajectory as a researcher through a culture that promotes scientific production, participation in externally funded projects, applied research, and intellectual property,” he stated.
Among the outcomes of this environment, he highlighted:
“With the support of Universidad Panamericana, I have been able to participate in high-impact international conferences, supervise students, develop science and technology projects, and obtain two national patents, among other achievements.”
Research Lines with Social Impact
Dr. Ponce’s main research lines focus on mechatronic systems and artificial intelligence applied to robotics, healthcare, and education.
He currently leads a project with high potential for social impact:
“I am working on the development of a robot inspired by chameleon locomotion, with the purpose of implementing it, in the long term, for prevention, monitoring, and rescue activities in complex environments.”
One of the most relevant practical applications of this robot is its potential use in earthquake disaster scenarios.
Future Goals: Continuing Innovation and Talent Development
As a new member of the AMC, Dr. Ponce’s goals are clearly defined:
“My interest in the coming years is to continue developing the chameleon-inspired robot and to contribute to prevention, rescue, and maintenance activities in urban and electrical sectors.”
In addition, he seeks to continue strengthening his international impact through scientific and technological output and maintains his commitment to educating academically outstanding students
“who can positively impact society through the application of scientific knowledge.”
An Achievement that Inspires and Strengthens the UP Community
For Dr. Ponce, this recognition transcends individual achievement and becomes an impetus for the entire institution:
“I hope that my admission to the Mexican Academy of Sciences inspires Panamericana researchers to continue their professional trajectories, knowing that the support and backing of the university are driving forces for the growth and development of highly qualified researchers.”
Likewise, he issued a call to the academic community:
“I encourage researchers at Universidad Panamericana to engage in the various activities related to scientific production, applied research, externally funded projects, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship.”
Finally, he underscored the institutional value of this achievement:
“I hope that this institutional milestone serves as inspiration to continue consolidating the entire UP research ecosystem, recognizing that this achievement reflects the positive results of the strategies, actions, and guidelines that have been developed at the institution over many years.”
With this distinction, Universidad Panamericana reinforces its commitment to research excellence and its contribution to Mexico’s scientific and technological development.
Learn more about research projects at Universidad Panamericana:
https://www.up.edu.mx/investigacion-noticias/
