March 19, 2024
The Rector of UNAM, Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas, and the President of the University of Illinois System (UIS), Timothy L. Killeen, have signed a collaboration agreement to establish a program of seed scholarships and carry out research to contribute to the solution of problems related to poverty, the environment and sustainable wellbeing.
They will jointly fund projects in three areas: food and health, water and energy. Transdisciplinary approaches will be particularly welcome.
With the signing of the agreement, Lomelí emphasized, the collaboration between the four universities will be expanded: -UNAM,University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Springfield, which integrate UIS- also addresses fundamental problems of our countries and humanity as a whole.
"The objective of contributing to solve problems of poverty, environment and sustainable wellbeing, priorities in the contemporary agenda, unites us and allows us to get closer."
The importance of this gathering lies in the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and values that strengthen the bonds between our academic communities, said Guillermo Pulido, director of UNAM Chicago.
The entity that carried out the necessary linkage work to achieve this important agreement for both institutions.
This collaboration not only enriches our institutions, but also contributes to the advancement of higher education and research in an increasingly interconnected and complex world, he said.
President Killeen was also pleased to renew the successful collaboration with UNAM in the research area. He recalled that in 2020 they signed a first agreement to award these seed scholarships and promote studies related to food and health, water and energy, important topics for human life.
"The agreement we are signing with UNAM opens the doors to work together and solve common problems for the welfare of our societies," he said.
During the ceremony, carried out remotely, the Rector of UNAM emphasized that for UNAM it is fundamental to strengthen ties with UIS, since the state of Illinois has a strategic importance: it is home to a relevant Mexican-American community, it is a thriving state, and both universities share multiple values and cultural expressions.
"With these seed research projects that we will jointly fund, we will be in a position to lay the groundwork for deeper and more extensive collaborations. It is an important step, the first of many more, to bring greater academic cooperation," he emphasized.
He highlighted that the relationship with UNAM is key, as more than half of the people of Illinois recognize themselves as Mexican-Americans. "Our future working together looks promising," remarked Killeen, who also celebrated the appointment of Chancellor Lomelí as head of UNAM, the largest and most important university in Latin America, he said.
According to the document, the scholarship program will run from this year until 2027. Five university projects will be awarded each year.
Speaking at the event, UNAM's Vice Provost for International Affairs, William Lee Alardín, explained that the first call for these scholarships in 2022, focused on the Sustainable Development Goals, was open to all disciplines. Thirteen proposals were received, of which five were approved and evaluated by committees of academic peers from the two universities.
Now, he added, the aim is to give continuity to this initiative, generate cooperation at a higher level and promote joint innovation projects.
Dr. Maria Soledad Funes Coordinator for Scientific Research at UNAM; Dr. Elvira de Mejía Execitice Director of IMMAS and Jay Walsh Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation of the UIS, were among the authorities from the two universities that witnessed the signing of the agreement.
