UADY Global's Newsletter for 2020

1. J a n u a r y - D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 0
INTERNATIONALIZATION
NEWSLETTER
General Coordination of Cooperation and Internationalization
The Autonomous University of Yucatan has among its guiding axes the
internationalization in the development of academic programs and
projects of the university to contribute to the integral formation of
students and to develop in them a high degree of adaptation to the
labor worlds of the global society, to participate in international
networks of professional formation and production of knowledge, and
project the quality and relevance of the institutional work beyond the
borders of the country.

2. General News........ ........................pág. 3
Our Students..................................pág. 15
Agreements and Partners.............pág. 21
UADY´s Research and Projects...pág. 28
Content

3. GENERAL
NEWS

4. UADY PARTICIPATES AGAIN IN IU GREENMETRIC WORLD
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2019
Mérida, Yucatán, December 19, 2019.- Maintaining
the firm commitment to social responsibility and
sustainable development, declared in the
Institutional Development Plan 2019-2030, the
Autonomous University of Yucatán once again
participated in IU GreenMetric World University
Rankings 2019, which had as its central theme
"Sustainable University in a changing world: Lessons,
Challenges and Opportunities".
UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, is a
world university ranking, designed to measure the
sustainability efforts of universities. The objective of
this ranking is to provide the result on the current
condition and policies related to the commitment of
universities around the world to address
environmental issues and sustainability. It is
expected that, by attracting the attention of
university leaders and stakeholders, more attention
will be given to the fight against global climate
change, energy and water conservation, waste
recycling and ecological transport.
The specific objectives of the UI GreenMetric World
University Rankings are: to contribute to the
academic topics on sustainability in education and
ecology within universities; promote social change
led by the university with respect to sustainability
strategies; be a tool for self-assessment of the
sustainability of higher education institutions
around the world; and inform governments,
international and local environmental agencies, as
well as society, about the sustainability programs
that universities have.
In this second participation of the Autonomous
University of Yucatan, in the 2019 edition, 780
universities from 85 countries participated, UADY
obtained the 219 place worldwide, ascending 133
positions in relation to the result obtained in the
2018 edition; Mexico had the participation of 18
institutions of higher education, including the
Autonomous University of Yucatan, achieving the
8th place according to the established measurement
parameters, which allowed the university to guide its
strategies on the topics of sustainability through the
strategic and transversal axes that have been
established in the Institutional Development Plan, to
help with the objectives of sustainable development
by 2030.
It is important to mention that, from the results by
indicators, UADY obtained places number 61 and 84
worldwide, in the categories of Energy and Climate
Change, and Education and Research, respectively;
on a national level, place number 2 in Energy and
Climate Change and place number 3 in Education
and Research were achieved.
The attention of the university to the use of energy
and the problems of climate change has the highest
weight in this ranking; use of energy efficient
appliances, renewable energy use policy, total
electricity use, energy conservation program,
ecological construction, climate change adaptation
and mitigation program, greenhouse gas emission
reduction policy. With this indicator, universities
are expected to increase the effort in energy
efficiency in their buildings and take more
information about nature and energy resources.

5. ACADEMICS AND STUDENTS FROM RUTGERS
UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY VISIT THE
UABIC
They
exchange
experiences,
culture,
knowledge and
academic work
of the Unit.
Mérida, Yucatán, January 13, 2020.- A group of 12 students from Rutgers
University in New Jersey, United States visited and carried out a series of
activities with students of the Baccalaureate Academic Unit with Community
Interaction (UABIC) of the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY).
During the meeting the young foreigners, who are currently studying to be
teachers of primary, secondary and high school, shared experiences and
knowledge through the activity called "Conversation Café", an initiative that
brings together the two groups of students with the purpose to practice their
English and Spanish through pleasant talks and the exchange of ideas.
The Coordinator of the UABIC, Guillermo Contreras Gil, stressed that this link
has been made for six years, not only with the University of Rutgers but also
with the Highland Park High School, also located in New Jersey.
Other activities that were carried out were the elaboration of letters, which
will be sent to the students of Highland Park, as well as a video about
Halloween.
In addition, the visit not only served as an exchange between students, since
the foreign academics were, as every year, very interested in learning the
ways to carry out projects outside the classroom and apply it in neighboring
communities, the teaching method that distinguishes the UABIC.
It should be noted that, Rutgers University is the largest institution in the
university education system of the state of New Jersey and the eighth oldest
university in the United States.
It offers more than 100 different degrees, 100 master's degrees and 80
doctoral and professional programs through 175 academic departments and 29
schools and colleges, 16 of which offer postgraduate study programs.

6. UADY CELEBRATES THE CHINESE NEW YEAR
Mérida, Yucatán, January 27, 2020.- The celebrations on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, arrived at
the Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) throughout the celebration of the festival “Meet China 2020”,
through which the language, culture and traditions of that ancient civilization were promoted.
The General Director of the Confucius Institute of UADY, Andrés Aluja Schunemann, explained that the
event, held at the University Cultural Center, began with the “Dance of the Lion”, and then gave way to dance
performances, plays, competitions, and games that were prepared by teachers and students studying in that
center specialized in Chinese language and culture.
“We want to send a message of solidarity and fraternity for the entire People's Republic of China on behalf of
the entire university community. This event aims to bring this culture closer to the Yucatecan society,
national and foreign visitors who always accompany us,” he added.
Among the stands that could be enjoyed were Chinese calligraphy, folded paper, paint, Chinese lamps, tea
and gift table.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, generally used in the West and which invariably begins on January 1, the
beginning of the Chinese New Year does not take place on a fixed date, but occurs according to the lunar
calendar, which this year fixed its Beginning on Saturday, January 25, 2020. In addition, to each annual cycle,
the ancestry of a Chinese zodiac animal is assigned, so this year corresponds to the rat, which in that culture
are creatures seen as a sign of wealth and success.
Last year, the Confucius Institute of UADY had 1,675 students, and the registration has just been completed
for the next semester of studies.

7. WHO CONSIDERS A SPECIALIST WHO BEGAN
HER TRAINING IN YUCATAN
Merida, Yucatan, June 17, 2020.- The Faculty of
Medicine of the Autonomous University of
Yucatan (UADY), which celebrated its 187th
anniversary on June 10, is recognized nationally
and internationally for its relevance and
significance in the consolidation of health
professionals, which is the result of the joint
effort of the staff that make up this institution and
the students who have been trained in the
classrooms and hospitals.
Since its inception, personalities who have
transcended the borders of our State have
graduated from our highest house of studies.
Such is the case of Dr. Celia Mercedes Alpuche
Aranda, who since 2013 has held the position of
Deputy General Director of the Research Center
on Infectious Diseases (CISEI by its Spanish
acronym) of the National Institute of Public
Health (INSP by its Spanish acronym), which
specializes in the study of factors that help
prevent, treat and control infectious diseases and
that during the current health contingency that
we are experiencing due to Covid-19 has issued
recommendations in the field of public health.
Dr. Celia Alpuche Aranda is a graduate of the
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the
Autonomous University of Yucatán (1974-1980
Generation) and a postgraduate degree in the
Specialty of Pediatrics (1983-1985 Generation),
from the same institution, having as headquarters
the Hospital Agustín O'Horan, in the city of
Mérida. Later, she continued her training at the
National Autonomous University of Mexico with
postgraduate studies: specialization in pediatric
infectology; Master and Doctorate in Medical
Sciences. For her performance in clinical research,
Dr. Celia Alpuche received the 2019 “Miguel
Otero” Award.
Dr. Celia Alpuche was appointed a member of the
Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) of the
World Health Organization (WHO) on Covid-19
vaccines from June 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021.
This is the main group advisor to WHO on
vaccines and immunization. The functions of this
group are to advise on global policies and
strategies in the areas of vaccines and technology,
as well as the provision of immunization services
and their links with other health interventions.
The Faculty of Medicine is proud to have
contributed to the training of Dr. Celia Alpuche
and congratulates her warmly for one more
achievement in her professional career.

8. Merida, Yucatan, July 20, 2020. - A total of ten engineers
received certifications from the Certifying and Evaluating
Entity (ECE by its Spanish acronym) of the Autonomous
University of Yucatan (UADY) for having taken the EC 0586.01
standard alignment course "Installation of photovoltaic
systems in residence, commerce and industry”.
During the virtual ceremony, the Coordinator of Innovation
and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Jessica Canto Maldonado
commented that these courses are part of the services
offered at ECE-UADY to support companies and society. She
recalled that this Entity is part of the University's Linking
Model and offers labor competency certification services
aimed at students, staff and the general public.
"Its objective is to train, evaluate and certify the
competencies of people based on the standards registered in
the national registry of CONOCER competencies," she said.
Likewise, she announced to the attendees that, at the end of July and August of this year, the second course of
alignment to the standard EC 0586.01 "Installation of photovoltaic systems in residence, commerce and industry"
will be taught, in addition to the course EC 0050 "Design of virtual courses taught over the internet ”, and the
certification on Supervision of photovoltaic systems.
For his part, the General Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies, Research and Liaison, Dr. Rafael Rojas Herrera,
representing the Rector of UADY, Dr. José de Jesús Williams, congratulated and warmly greeted the certified
engineers, and commented that the certification Skills training is the future of job professionalization for the world's
skilled workforce.
As it will be remembered, these certifications for companies and institutions represent advantages such as the
acquisition of more accurate and reliable information on the qualified workforce; facilitates and makes the selection
and promotion of personnel transparent; contributes to raising its productivity and quality; in addition to improving
the use of its resources. Likewise, it promotes continuous training and provides multiple options for the productive,
social and government sectors to design training, evaluation and certification solutions that ensure the quality of
their processes.
Regarding the benefits for workers, the certification is valid at the national level and is recognized by the Ministry of
Public Education (SEP), in addition, they obtain a registration number at the national level and their competence is
accredited by public and private institutions officially.
The authorities who virtually attended the event were, Mtra. Ivette M. Lizárraga Castro, Operational Manager of the
ECE-UADY and as a special guest Mtro. Carlos Estrada Pinto General Director of Academic Development. In
addition, the Engineers Martín Rodríguez Gómez, Certified Instructor, Engineer Daniel Quiñones Molina and
Engineer Octavio de Jesús Cervantes Uc, certified evaluators and a work team from the Administrative Coordination
of Innovation and Entrepreneurship were present.
UADY CERTIFIES LABOR COMPETENCIES

9. UADY PHDS MEET HIGH QUALITY STANDARDS
Guarantee
training of
specialists in
Psychology
and
Mathematics.
Mérida, Yucatán, August 24, 2020.- PhDs in Mathematical Sciences and Applied
Psychology from the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) entered the National
Quality Postgraduate Program (PNPC by its Spanish acronym) of CONACYT, which
means that they have met the highest quality standards during its evaluation process.
The doctorate in Applied Psychology is the first of its kind in the Southeast of the
country, and since its creation in 2019 it has sought to train professionals who
respond to educational, clinical, health and psychological intervention problems, as
well as generate relevant, innovative and effective actions.
Regarding the doctorate in Mathematical Sciences, created in 2019, it aims to train
specialists in this area of knowledge who have the skills to do original research,
design projects, disseminate the results and establish links with society; also, they
can contribute to the enrichment of this discipline and its applications.
This recognition of the quality of the training of the postgraduate programs, offered
by higher education institutions and research centers, is carried out through
rigorous evaluation processes by academic peers, and is awarded to programs that
show that they have fulfilled with everything that is required from them.
Likewise, it is a reliable reference regarding the quality of the educational offer in
the postgraduate field, which helps and guides the different sectors of the country, so
that they opt for the benefits provided by the training of high-level human resources.
For its students, this incorporation to the PNPC benefits them directly since it is
recognized as a quality program that impacts society, due to the type of qualities and
skills that are promoted in it.
Belonging to the Program also offers the possibility of offering high-performance
scholarships for those who aspire to apply for one of these doctorates, in addition to
belonging to a work network based on the criteria and standards of CONACYT, which
puts them on the national and international stages.

10. VIRTUAL MODE FACILITATES ACCESS TO STUDY
LANGUAGES
UADY´s
Institutional
English
Program
registers an
increase of
133 percent.
Mérida, Yucatán, September 11, 2020.-
The courses of the Institutional English
Program of the Autonomous University of
Yucatán (UADY), registered an increase of
133 percent of students enrolled this year,
when they were implemented in virtual
mode.
During the summer of 2019 there was an
enrollment of 600 students in these
courses, and during this year the number
of 1,394 students was reached, reported the
coordinator of the Institutional Center of
Languages (CIL) of the UADY, Karina Abreu
Cano.
She said that due to the great demand for
the summer courses of the Institutional
English Program (PII), an extraordinary
intensive course was additionally
implemented in which another thousand
students participated, who wanted to
regularize or advance courses.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19
emergency, all the colloquial and PII
courses have been modified to the virtual
mode with synchronous activities, such as
Microsoft Teams platforms that allow
videoconferences, and asynchronous via
email and remote task assignment, Abreu
Cano explained.
On the other hand, the colloquial courses in
English, French, Italian, Mayan and
Spanish, which were taught in person, had
to be carried out for the first time in virtual
mode. She highlighted that, until now,
there has been a 95 percent success rate
thanks to the implementation of weekly
follow-ups, to verify how the progress of
each of the students was going.
For the semester September-December
2020, these colloquial courses have more
than a thousand students enrolled.
The CIL coordinator stressed that during
August, in person and with the proper
sanitary measures, 358 people took the
TOEFL exam. Also, from August 28 to date,
another 50 people have taken the Oxford
exam.
Finally, she reported that the English
diagnostic test was also carried out in
virtual mode for applicants of upper
secondary level, in which more than four
thousand students participated. The
regular courses of the PII, she said, will
begin on October 21, registration will take
place the first week of that month and the
participation of approximately five
thousand applicants is expected.
If you want more information about
courses in other languages and the PII in
virtual mode, you can contact the email:
cil@correo.uady.mx or through Facebook
“Centro Institucional de Lenguas (CIL)”.

11. SCHOOL YEAR
BEGINS IN VIRTUAL MODE
UADY trains
teachers for
this
educational
change.
Mérida, Yucatán, September 23,
2020.- The high school and
undergraduate levels of the
Autonomous University of Yucatán
(UADY) began the 2020-2021 school
year in the virtual modality, which
implied a prior training process for
teachers so that they adapt their
subjects to the digital environment,
informed the General Director of
Academic Development, Carlos Estrada
Pinto.
In this semester, 2,966 first semester
high school students and 3,898
undergraduate students entered,
bringing UADY’s enrollment to more
than 25,000 middle and higher level
students.
Estrada Pinto explained that the
courses given to the teachers included
the adaptation of the didactic plans to
transfer them to non-face-to-face or
virtual mode, the establishment of
pedagogical strategies, management of
digital tools and training on the “virtual
UADY” platform.
"UADY virtual", he said, is a learning
space in which students and teachers
interact in order to carry out didactic
integration, and this tool is
complemented with Microsoft Teams,
in which non-contact classes are
transmitted.
The university official highlighted that
students who do not have a computer
or internet will be supported with
printed learning materials, so that they
can develop activities and projects, in
addition to having the teachers
accompany them through messaging
applications accessible by cell phone .
Likewise, he indicated that the
practical subjects that could be
transferred to virtual form by means of
simulators could be offered; and in the
subjects that cannot be developed in
that modality, their teaching will be
postponed until the health of students,
teachers and administrative and
manual workers can be guaranteed.
Among the academic offerings this
semester, undergraduate students
were able to choose one of the free
sports and cultural subjects, which
were also adapted in a virtual way, as
well as the diploma in Financial
Education, which was made possible by
an agreement with the National
Commission for the Protection and
Defense of Users of Financial Services
(CONDUSEF by its Spanish acronym).

12. Mérida, Yucatán, October 22, 2020.- The Autonomous
University of Yucatán (UADY) obtained a special mention
for contributing to institutional strengthening in the
transformation of processes, optimization and
improvement of services through Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT).
This recognition was granted by the Information and
Communication Technologies Committee "ANUIES-TIC",
to higher education institutions that distinguished
themselves by contributing to institutional strengthening
through the transformation of innovative processes,
products or services through good practices.
The Coordinator of Attention to Users and Technical Support
of UADY, Carmen Díaz Novelo, explained that on this
occasion they carried out the project called "Single Window
of Information Technology Services", with the aim of offering
users a space to facilitate the communication and issuance of
information technology requests to academic and
administrative staff and students.
"We seek to have a technological tool that supports users in carrying out their procedures and requests for
services, and thus increase the participation and interaction of university users," she added.
She indicated that the benefits include: the integration of IT service catalogs, serving a greater number of
users while maintaining the same levels of quality of services, and providing guidance to the different
campuses.
Likewise, development of digital skills, generation of indicators, as well as the certification of the ISO 9001:
2015 Standard.
Díaz Novelo commented that in 2020, with the onset of the Covid-19 contingency, the demand for information
technology services continued despite the isolation and lack of physical assistance from personnel to the
areas, with 93 services in average per day.
After the Easter holiday period, already in full confinement, demand increased by 26 percent, with 117 services
on average per day.
UADY’S SINGLE WINDOW RECEIVES AWARD

13. UADY CONSOLIDATES STRATEGIES FOR THE
DOUBLE DEGREE
Mérida, Yucatán, October 30, 2020.- To envisage the double degree and graduation as a strategy aimed at
strengthening the comprehensive training of students and consolidating the internationalization of the
education provided at the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY), members of the XVIII University
Council presented the proposal to add articles to the General Statute in which it is sought to create links with
higher education institutions that contribute to the vision for the year 2030 of this house of studies.
During the Extraordinary Distance Session, the General Counsel of UADY, Renán Solís Sánchez, stated that
these additions will allow the identification of highly prestigious and recognized educational institutions,
with which they can offer undergraduate and graduate programs with double degrees or graduations, as well
as the development of joint projects.
Also, promote mobility and their participation in the institutional programs of Culture for Development,
Gender Equality, Entrepreneurship Development, People's Studies and Mayan Culture, Physical Culture and
Sports, and in carrying out research projects.
At another point in the day, the members of the Council approved the donation, by the Tizimín City Council,
for the construction of a dome, made with a metallic structure, in the area where physical education is taught
in the Tizimín Multidisciplinary Unit (UMT ) of UADY.
This work will have an investment of one million 825 thousand pesos and will be executed entirely with
resources from the municipal authority, in addition, it will contribute to the improvement of the
infrastructure of the UMT.
As the last point of the day, the agreement was approved in which, until the return to face-to-face activities at
UADY, the elections of the new student and / or teacher representatives to the academic councils of the
faculties and high schools were postponed.

14. Undoubtedly, technology is here to stay at the University and can be seen from the admission, registration and
administration processes, online enrollment, wireless connectivity on university campuses, access to content, digital
resources, virtual campuses and the use of technology in face-to-face classrooms ”, she added.
In his turn, the General Director for Academic Development of UADY, Carlos Estrada Pinto, indicated that in this new
context, there are innovative study modalities that put the student at the center of the learning experience, from purely
online modalities through Hybrid teaching which is a modality that combines face-to-face classes with online learning, as
well as competency-based or adaptive teaching. In that sense, he highlighted the aspects that have been achieved with this
transformation among them: the learning experience in virtual environments, enabling the student's digital skills, as well
as involving the educator in digital changes.
For his part, the General Coordinator of Information and Communication Technologies of UADY, Sergio Cervera Loeza,
indicated that technology, in the context of digital transformation, has become the cornerstone for these institutions to
comply 100 percent with its mission, which is to generate new skills in young people to better compete in the new work
environment of the 21st century. He argued that his area works so that teachers integrate new technologies into their
curricula, and in this way make new offers to students through transformations in didactics, in methodologies, as well as
favoring greater and better learning in them.
Among the actions that have been carried out at UADY are increasing the capacity of internet service by lowering costs,
decentralizing the internet for the benefit of all campuses and university dependencies, as well as optimizing cloud
services by increasing technological capacity at lower cost.
With regards to the Human Development area, its Coordinator, Reinaldo Novelo Herrera, highlighted that UADY carried
out motivation, training, innovation and updating plans for both teachers and administrative workers. He stressed that the
technological platforms that serve as a means of support in various educational modalities were implemented, since the
management of the contents they host facilitates the use of these, without restrictions of schedules or physical places in
what has to coincide to be able to work.
Mérida, Yucatán, December 3, 2020.- From April to date, the
Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) adapted the
educational model to new technologies, with the aim of joining
all areas of knowledge to address the needs of this and future
generations, immersed in the rise of the digital world.
During the second season of the Seminar "Management of
Educational Technology", organized by the National Association
of Universities and Institutions of Higher Education (ANUIES by
its Spanish acronym), UADY executives explained step by step
the transformation process that has been carried out.
In the virtual conference entitled "Digital transformation,
experience of the Autonomous University of Yucatán", the
General Secretary of UADY, Celia Rosado Avilés, explained that
this process was thought from a transversal vision for all areas of
the institution such as teaching, research , student care services,
general administrative services, among others.
"The different operating blocks supported by digital
technologies were integrated with the strategy explicitly defined
for the entire organization," she pointed out.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AT UADY

15. OUR
STUDENTS

16. UADY, AMONG THE PREFERRED BY FOREIGN STUDENTS
Mérida, Yucatán, January 15, 2020.- A total of 280 young people, of which 159 are nationals and 121 are
foreigners, chose the Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) to undertake academic stays in one of the 15
faculties of this house of studies.
At the welcome ceremony in the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Engineering, the rector of UADY, José de Jesús
Williams, explained that young people will study in quality programs with an international focus and social
responsibility.
This type of mobility program allows students to strengthen academic competences as part of their integral
training, while forming research networks and brotherhood ties. Each semester, UADY receives students
from China, Germany, Argentina, Spain, Peru, as well as Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Sonora, Coahuila and Baja
California, to name a few. During their stay, they will carry out different activities in the UADY faculties for six
months, as well as Spanish courses.
In that sense, Rector Williams stressed that this is a great effort of the university, which implies organization
and investment, but also, it reflects the perception of the institution and its students, which is demonstrated
in their stays through a good academic and research role. He also congratulated the students for undertaking
their professional projects in this institution, which, he added, means joining that internationalization
approach.
Williams said that UADY's prestige is based on the global approach that has been proposed, since almost all
study programs are accredited for their quality and innovation.
In turn, the mobility student Colin Benoit Herauit, who is in his second semester at UADY, considered that
this is an internationally recognized institution, distinguished by its curricula and study programs. "It is one
of the universities in the country with more preference for students from other countries, who seek quality in
educational programs to complement their academic training," he added.
In the welcome ceremony they were also given information and guidance by representatives of the Student
Service Centers and, on the language, volunteering and other cultural programs offered by UADY.
The meeting also included the participation of students who previously had this experience in order to share
their suggestions with those who will make the stay.

17. Mérida, Yucatán, January 20, 2020.- Four students of the Faculty of Anthropological Sciences of the
Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) will make an academic stay at the Faculty of Tourism and
Culture of the University of Angers, in France, with the purpose of obtaining a double degree.
Dulce Araujo López, Janell Ble Sobrevilla, Marisol Coello García and Erika Reyes Morales, are UADY
students who attend the sixth semester of the Bachelor of Tourism, and will have the opportunity to
strengthen their generic and specific skills, as well as the mastery of a second foreign language during their
studies in the Gallic country.
In this way, the Institutional Development Plan (PDI) promotes student mobility in national and
international programs, and thereby favors their incorporation into the world of work and postgraduate
studies.
The General Coordinator of Cooperation and Internationalization, Andrés Aluja Schunemann, stressed that
the issue of mobility is one of the priorities for UADY and is part of the internationalization approach. "It is
very important that students make stays because they complement the comprehensive training they
receive in the classrooms of the University," he said.
He indicated that this program allows Yucatecan and French students to obtain two diplomas, one by the
French educational institution and the other by the UADY. The foregoing, he said, is the result of the
international relationship that the University maintains with different institutions through collaboration
agreements.
He also explained that students are selected for their academic profile, ability to adapt and take six
semesters of French.
The Bachelor of Tourism of the Faculty of Anthropological Sciences of the UADY was created with the focus
of its program of studies on social sciences as an approach to tourism, interculturality and the tourism of
biocultural heritage.
UADY STUDENTS ADVANCE INTERNATIONALLY

18. UADY STUDENTS MAINTAIN THEIR STUDY RHYTHM
Supported
by digital
platforms,
educational
programs
continue.
Merida, Yucatan, March 27, 2020.- The
General Director of Academic
Development of the Autonomous
University of Yucatan (UADY), Carlos
Estrada Pinto, announced the measures in
the face of the health contingency with
respect to the teaching of study programs,
both in person and online.
Regarding the classes of the face-to-face
programs, he stated that academic work
continues through digital media such as
the "UADY Virtual" platform, and Office 365
system applications, among others.
"Students of this generation use digital
media regularly and correctly, so in light of
these measures, they have no difficulty
using virtual platforms," he said.
He added that some classes are taken by
videoconference, so that "academics and
students connect through this platform, to
resolve doubts or comments on tasks or
jobs, previously marked by teachers."
It should be noted that teachers are
committed to supporting young people step
by step, as they respond to an established
didactic planning, while students must
comply with scheduled tasks, at the same
pace as if they were in face-to-face classes,
so as not to see each other affected at the
end of the semester by this contingency.
He also recalled that UADY created in 2012
the Online High School Program (BEL by its
Spanish acronym), in which, in addition to
older adults, minors who have just
completed their middle school studies can
also enter.
With this program, he said, the University
offers young people and society in general
another alternative to complete their
studies at the upper secondary level. In that
sense, he indicated that there are also two
online degree programs, Public
Management and Education, which
continue to operate normally.
It should be remembered that in the
Institutional Center of Languages (CIL) the
face-to-face classes of all courses were
suspended, but they continue during this
contingency period with online classes,
supported by the educational platform
"UADY Virtual".
He added that the face-to-face courses of
the Institutional English Program (PII),
which are offered at the different UADY
campuses for undergraduate students,
continue online through the same
platform.
The colloquial English and PII courses that
were already being offered in virtual mode,
continue without changes.

19. THERE WILL BE STUDENT MOBILITY IN VIRTUAL MODE
Merida, Yucatan, June 22, 2020.- The Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) will offer in the 2020-2021 school
period, more than 120 virtual subjects to students, both national and foreign, as part of the first actions to promote
the "Virtual Mobility".
The General Coordinator of the Undergraduate System, Marcela Zamudio Maya, reported that due to the
worldwide health emergency of Covid-19, the institution determined to promote and encourage the virtual
mobility modality.
In this sense, she explained that this program consists of virtual academic stays, with Higher Education
Institutions that have mobility agreements with UADY. She stressed that the issue of mobility is one of the
priorities for the University since it constitutes part of the internationalization approach.
"It is very important that students continue with this virtual mobility model, because it complements their
comprehensive training," she said.
Zamudio Maya recalled that the countries with the largest number of students who made a stay at UADY were:
France, China, Spain and Germany.
As for students from national institutions, the universities of Durango, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Sonora, Ciudad
Juárez, Coahuila, Puebla, Sinaloa, Tlaxcala, Zacatecas, Baja California, Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas, Aguascalientes
stood out, as well as the UNAM, UAM, IPN, UPN.
Regarding the subjects offered by UADY, she said that young people may study an educational program at the
Anthropological Sciences, Education, Economics, and Nursing faculties, as well as the Social Work program, to
name a few.
Likewise, she indicated that UADY also offers free courses, which promote comprehensive training and the
development of generic skills. "These are not limited to any educational program so students from any program
can participate," she said.
Among the free courses are: digital competences for education 4.0; learning and study techniques; comprehensive
security in the public sector; emotion management workshop; literary genres in the Mayan language, among
others.

20. YOUNG INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL
STUDENTS START COURSES AT UADY
Mérida, Yucatán, October 1, 2020.- The Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) welcomed 32 national
and foreign students, who will take online courses related to their degree through the Student Mobility
Program.
For this 2020-2021 school year, 20 young people from the autonomous universities of Morelos and San Luis
Potosí, as well as Veracruzana, will take courses in the faculties of Education, Nursing, Accounting and
Administration, and in the Department of Innovation and Educational Research, among others.
While 12 foreign students from Ecuador, Chile, Colombia and the Dominican Republic will study in the
faculties of Anthropological Sciences, Education, Nursing, the Academic Unit of Virtual Education, to
mention a few.
When welcoming them through a virtual ceremony, the General Coordinator of Academic Development of
UADY, Carlos Estrada Pinto, stressed that the issue of mobility is one of the priorities for the University, as it
is part of the internationalization approach. "It is very important that students continue with this virtual
mobility model, because they complement their comprehensive training," he said. He commented that due
to the global contingency that exists in these times, the institution determined that the student mobility that
takes place semester by semester is now virtual.
"They will take their subjects at a university with a global focus where almost all the programs are accredited
for their quality and innovation," he said.
A young student from the Universidad Veracruzana considered that UADY is an internationally recognized
institution, distinguished by its plans and study programs.
In turn, another young woman from the Catholic University of Chile commented that before deciding on
UADY, she undertook the task of researching their study programs. "My stay will be very positive, because I
will contribute what I have acquired in my school and in my professional practices, also, I will share my
knowledge with others," she said.

21. AGREEMENTS
AND
PARTNERS

22. A FIELD OF OPPORTUNITY IS OPENED WITH CHINESE
UNIVERSITY
Mérida, Yucatán, January 7, 2020.- Representatives of the University of Shenzhen,
China, visited the Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) with the purpose of
signing a letter of intent to collaborate in different areas and academic exchanges.
During the meeting, the president of the board of directors of the Chinese
university, Liu Hongyi, and the rector of UADY, José de Jesús Williams, signed this
letter so that in the next six months they work closely and finalize the signing of an
agreement of collaboration in the areas identified in other meetings.
Likewise, Asian visitors showed great interest in academic exchange, in particular to
reinforce Spanish summer courses, as well as Big Data learning and professional
practices for the institution's students in that country.
Before UADY authorities, meeting in the Rectors Hall of the University Cultural
Center, the president said that the University of Shenzhen has 3,700 academics of
which 250 are foreigners and 80 percent have a doctorate, also houses 28,000
undergraduate and 6,500 graduate students.
It has 27 faculties, 78 undergraduate and 150 postgraduate educational programs,
and also offers a distance program with more than 300 courses. Its strengths are in
the areas and engineering, computer science, biology and biochemistry, chemistry
and clinical medicine. Last year they created a Spanish program, so they are
interested in reinforcing it through the exchange of students and academics.
Also, they will seek to invite graduates and students of UADY’s Degree in English
Language Teaching so that they can carry out a practical stay.
The University of Shenzhen was founded in 1983, they also have a business park in
which 271 students have incubated projects of which five have a value of at least 300
million pesos.
Letter
of intent to
finalize
projects is
signed.

23. COLLABORATION TIES WITH THE UNIVERSITY
OF GRANADA ARE EXPANDED
UADY
seeks
agreements
for double
degrees.
Mérida, Yucatán, February 17, 2020.- In
the last 15 years, the Autonomous
University of Yucatán (UADY) and the
University of Granada, Spain, have
maintained strong ties of collaboration,
among which the student mobility program
stands out, so in a recent meeting both
institutions raised more options for joint
work.
The Vice Chancellor for International
Affairs, Dorothy Kelly, and the director of
Networks of the Spanish university, Ignacio
Blanco Medina, visited the rector of UADY,
José de Jesús Williams, to evaluate the
possibility of establishing double degrees
in undergraduate and postgraduate
degrees, in addition to projects with the
Regional Research Center (CIR) “Dr.
Hideyo Noguchi."
During their visit to UADY, Spanish
academics learned about the faculties of
Architecture, Education, Law, Nursing and
the CIR, where they held meetings with
their respective directors.
Dorothy Kelly said that the visit resulted in
very profitable exchanges, and
congratulated the University for the work
that is done in general, and especially
through the CIR “not only for what is being
done, but for the motivation and passion of
each one of the researchers who work
there ”.
She stressed that they identified different
things in each center, for example, in the
Faculty of Architecture they were struck by
the approach and perspective, which moves
away from the traditional discipline as
academic training. "We detected
possibilities of developing a double degree
with the undergraduate program in Habitat
Design and professional practices through
student mobility," she said.
In addition, in Education they opened the
option of studying the doctorate they offer
at the University of Granada.
As for the Regional Research Center, they
were interested in co-guardianship to form
collaborative works with research groups
of both institutions, in addition to the
possibility of generating, through topics of
interest, projects for European funds.
UADY has an internationalization strategy
that promotes academic collaboration,
research, and relationships; consolidation
of student and academic mobility
programs, as well as integrating research
networks and promoting dual degree
educational programs.

24. UADY AND INAH SIGN STRATEGIC AGREEMENT
Merida, Yucatan, March 11, 2020.- The Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) and the National
Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) signed a collaboration agreement that will create a new
watershed in scientific research mainly related to the population of the region and with the conservation
and restoration of the cultural, archaeological and historical heritage.
At the event, the rector of UADY stressed that this signature opens the opportunity to continue
strengthening issues of culture, art, the comprehensive training of students and the entire university
community.
"Today it is very clear for UADY the importance of alliances for a growth and a strengthening of the
substantive functions of the University, not only in education, but in research, linking and extension of
knowledge of art and culture”, he emphasized.
For his part, the General Director of INAH, Diego Prieto Hernández, stressed that this collaboration is very
important, since the University has young talents, research projects and academic spaces to strengthen ties.
"We signed an agreement that is not simply a letter of intent, it is for the true strengthening of academic
and cultural collaboration between UADY and INAH," he stressed.
He stated that the general academic and cultural collaboration agreement allows the renewal of inter-
institutional cooperation efforts that have been maintained for decades in academia and science, in the
branches of anthropology, archeology, history, architecture, restoration and technologies.
This agreement also proposes to bring both institutions closer together to develop new mechanisms that
allow researchers to share experiences on recent findings in the branches in which the INAH exercises
regulatory competence.
Present at the signing were the Director of the Palacio Cantón Regional Museum of Anthropology, Bernardo
Sarvide Primo; the Director of the INAH Yucatán Center, Eduardo López Calzada; and the Investigator of the
INAH Yucatán Center, Fidencio Briceño Chel.

25. UADY AND TECNM JOIN FORCES FOR ECOLOGICAL
RESEARCH
Mérida, Yucatán, September 3, 2020.- The joint work between the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) and
the TecNM Technological Campus Institute of Tizimín (ITT by its Spanish acronym) will allow the effect of
domestication in trees in the Peninsula to be studied; this project is led by doctors María José Campos Navarrete
and Miriam Monserrat Ferrer Ortega.
As a result of the signing of the collaboration agreement between both institutions, the investigation called: "Effect
of domestication in multipurpose trees of the Yucatan Peninsula: Ecology and functional genomics of Cordia
dodecandra" will be developed; said investigation will be in charge of Campos Navarrete , as technical manager of
the project by ITT, and Ferrer Ortega, as technician of UADY.
To carry out this joint work, first a general agreement was signed between UADY and ITT in order to create a
framework for collaboration between both houses of studies.
In this context, the aim is to carry out activities that allow achieving maximum development in the training and
specialization of human resources; joint investigations; and technological and academic development. Likewise,
the exchange of information, technical or academic advice, and publications in related fields of interest to both
Institutions were considered.
As a result of the foregoing, the specific collaboration and resource allocation agreement was signed in order to
jointly execute the activities specified within it and the application of the resources, which will be in charge of the
UADY through of the Campus of Biological and Agricultural Sciences.
The foregoing will make it possible to specify and ensure that the resources of the University are used in the
preparation of the project and the activities outlined in the document.
The general collaboration agreement was signed by the General Director of the ITT, José Antonio Canto Esquivel,
and by the rector of UADY, José de Jesús Williams.
Regarding the specific collaboration agreement, it was signed by the General Director of Finance and
Administration of UADY, Manuel Escoffié Aguilar, supported by the Director of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
and Zootechnics, Hugo Delfín González; and on the part of the ITT, the signature was of its Director, Canto Esquivel.

26. UADY JOINS AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN
OBSERVATORY
More than
700
universities
collaborate
worldwide.
Mérida, Yucatán, September 4, 2020.- The Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY)
recently joined the Magna Charta Universitatum Observatory, which brings together
more than 700 educational institutions worldwide.
Arisen in 1988 at the initiative of the University of Bologna, Italy, the objective of the
Observatory is to respect, promote, defend and foster the traditional values of the
autonomy of the universities and foster the link between the other incorporated
institutions. In addition, the Magna Charta document is signed by 388 rectors and
directors of universities throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia.
To date, 770 Universities have joined worldwide, UADY being the fifth Mexican institution
to belong to this important Observatory.
Among the premises of the Magna Charta Universitatum, reference is made to education
as the universal right that gives meaning to humanity, also, complete university
independence, the impossible separation between didactics and research, the freedom of
teaching and the globalization of knowledge.
Likewise, a series of means are indicated through which to achieve the established ends,
in addition, the academic community undertakes to deepen an adequate attention to
the needs and objectives of the students.
The Observatory, created to monitor the application of the main fundamentals of Charta,
cooperates with the main university associations such as the European University
Association (EUA), the Council of Europe, UNESCO, the International Association of
Universities (IAU) and the American Council Education, among others; in addition, it
works with additional associations and governmental and non-governmental
organizations.
In the same way, it acts as a mediator between governments and university leaders and
works intensively with students.
With these actions, UADY strengthens the internationalization declared in its vision of
the Institutional Development Plan 2019-2030 through academic collaboration, research,
and links with international institutions.
The Charta Magna Universitatum can be consulted at www.magna-charta.org

27. JICA INTERESTED IN UADY'S RESEARCH
LABORATORIES
Mérida, Yucatán, September 19, 2020.- Representatives of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency,
better known by the acronym JICA, visited the laboratories of the Regional Research Center (CIR by its
Spanish acronym) of UADY, with the aim of forming alliances for the improvement and innovation of the
laboratories of this house of studies.
The improvements to the CIR facilities would be focused on biosafety aspects to reach level 3 (BSL3), which
would allow the development of research and services aimed at mitigating the problems caused by exotic or
emerging infectious agents, with a high risk of transmission for their detection and / or study, thereby
promoting the benefit of society through the strengthening of the scientific infrastructure, which will allow
the necessary development for the health sciences in the southeast of Mexico.
During the tour, carried out this week, staff from the institution explained to the Japanese visitors that the
Autonomous University of Yucatán, in support of the Yucatán State Secretary of Health, carries out the
analysis of samples to detect Covid-19 .
The meeting was held with the support of the Secretary of Foreign Relations, with the aim of strengthening
research in our country.
On the part of JICA, the visitors were the Operational Director, Keiichi Osato; the Officer for Technical
Cooperation Programs in the Health Sector, Eiji Araki; and the Officer of International Technical
Cooperation Programs, Specialized in Disaster Risk Reduction, Francisco Javier Nicolás Félix.

28. UADY'S
RESEARCH
AND PROJECTS

29. UADY WILL BE AN INTERNATIONAL REFERENCE FOR
DENGUE, CHIKUNGUNYA AND ZIKA CONTROL
Mérida, Yucatán, January 7, 2020.- The Collaborative Unit for Entomological Bioassays (UCBE for its Spanish
acronym) of UADY’s Biological and Agricultural Sciences Campus, will be an international reference center for
the evaluation of products for the control of disease vectors such as dengue , chikungunya and Zika, among
others. At the continental level, the UCBE of the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) will be one of the
two collaborating centers recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for this purpose, together
with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, a scientific research institution in Brazil.
Currently, this unit is in the process of accreditation in good laboratory practices, for which the researcher
Gabriela González Olvera, as well as her colleagues Azael Che Mendoza and Anuar Medina Barreiro attended a
workshop organized by WHO at the beginning of last December.
The training took place at the Ifakara Health Institute in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, where researchers from
research centers and units in Malaysia, China, India and Mexico met.
The workshop was promoted by WHO in the framework of the accreditation process in good laboratory
practices, to be part of the network of collaborating centers to carry out Prequalification studies of products for
vector control approved by that international organization. In this way, González Olvera, Che Mendoza and
Medina Barreiro received training in laboratory techniques and semi-field and field studies for the evaluation
of products for the control of mosquito vectors of diseases.
The UCBE is a non-profit academic center, specialized in the evaluation of products, methods and tools that are
used for the prevention and control of diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors.
Since its creation in 2012, UCBE has contributed to the generation of technical-scientific evidence for the
improvement and innovation of surveillance and control of arthropod-borne diseases and their vectors;
especially of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika, currently prevalent and co-
circulating in Mexico and Latin America.
The UCBE has participated as a testing center for the PQT-VC (vector control group of the WHO
Prequalification Team) of the WHO and is currently in the process of accreditation in good laboratory
practices by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA).

30. UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY DEVELOPS
MOBILE APPLICATIONS
Mérida, Yucatán, March 4, 2020.- Students, academic, administrative and manual staff of the Autonomous
University of Yucatan (UADY) participated in the first call for the development of mobile applications that
contributed to improving dissemination, services and processes of teaching of this house of studies.
University authorities announced the winners of the three categories, which were defined as follows:
Category A, for the teaching and learning process of subjects of any educational program of upper secondary
education; Category B, dissemination of science and technology; and Category C, improvement of processes
and services offered by the University units.
It was reported that, in the call, 63 proposals made by a total of 82 members of the university community were
registered; and in a first review, 43 were selected that met the requirements to participate. Subsequently,
they were evaluated under the criteria of clarity in the objective, feasibility for development and utility based
on the category to which they belonged. Finally, 24 proposals were selected to continue their participation in
a second phase.
During the event, the rector of UADY, José de Jesús Williams, commented that these types of calls are
teaching-learning strategies, “processes that must be implemented in the different educational levels to
inspire the creativity of girls and boys of all ages; in such a way, that this innovation process becomes
something innate in the human being and that it will always be in a constant search to improve the process of
attention to people”.
In Category A, the winners were Tarcila Osorio Cetina, Luis Antonio Uc Enríquez and Silvana Salinas Parra,
from Preparatory School One, with the application "Maya Dictionary", which aims to help people who wish to
learn or are learning the Mayan language, through a database of translation and grammar of the language, as
well as exercises so that they can practice and reinforce that knowledge.
While in Category B, the victory went to Albert Aarón Cervera Uribe, Julio Alfonso de la Cruz Canul Medina
and Wendy Paulina Sosa López, from the different programs of the Faculty of Mathematics, who presented
the application “Use of augmented reality for developing logical-mathematical thinking in introduction to
programming ”. This application represents in an abstract way the logical-mathematical thinking necessary
for programming while the user enjoys augmented reality (AR) applied to activities of the physical world,
such as the exploration of a planet.
And in the last Category C, Alejandra Susana
Cabañas Sandoval, Erik Manuel Ic Caamal and
Mariela Carolina Lope Navarrete, who are part
of the academic and administrative staff of the
Faculty of Chemical Engineering, won with the
design of the application called “UniFIQ”, in
which support is provided to students and
academics from the different educational
programs of that faculty in accessing
information on teacher contact details, tutoring
hours, school control information and
university news, among others.

31. FACESHIELD MODEL IS CREATED
AT UADY
Merida, Yucatan, April 8, 2020.- The Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY), through the Faculty of
Engineering, manufactures face shields for the care and protection of doctors and nurses of the Secretary of
Health of Yucatán (SSY by its Spanish acronym), who work in the care of the health emergency due to Covid-
19.
As part of its social responsibility, UADY joins with the SSY to prevent the contagion of people who work on
the front line in the care of health emergencies such as in the areas of epidemiology and intensive care. As a
public university, UADY endorses its willingness for the generation and application of knowledge to be
useful when facing social problems, such as this health emergency.
The original model of the face shield, produced by UADY professors, was based on global proposals for its
creation, but modifications were added that allow its production in large quantities at low cost and with
minimal labor time, explained the researcher-professor Rodrigo King Denis.
The ergonomic design of the mask allows users to adjust this protection device in a personalized way, when
they also use glasses, mouth covers and other types of health safety items.
In the design and elaboration of the FIUADY-VMK01 face shield, the research professors that participated
were: Caridad Vales Pinzón, Rubén Medina Esquivel and Rodrigo King Denis.
Each protector is produced in a time of 40 to 50 minutes and is made in one of the four 3D printers that UADY
has.

32. UADY WILL PACK 25 TONS OF ANTISEPTIC GEL
Merida, Yucatan, April 9, 2020.- Professors, students and laboratory workers from the Faculty of Chemical
Engineering of the Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY), collaborate in the bottling of 25 tons of
antiseptic gel in support of the State Government, with the objective of reinforcing the hygiene of the
Yucatecan population.
From the beginning of the health contingency due to Covid-19, the rector of UADY, José de Jesús Williams,
arranged for the coordination of the university community to support the authorities and society in general
with this and other actions during this extraordinary period .
Thus, the Director of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, María Dalmira Rodríguez Martín, explained that
among the safety measures to prevent contamination of the gel, there is packaging at the correct
temperature, proper handling of the substance and the protection of the personnel in charge of this work.
To this end, a laboratory was set up for this process, in which a production line was designed, and in which,
up to now, nine tons of gel have been stored.
The team that makes the packaging is the same one that makes the gel for UADY and other government
agencies, and each of its members demonstrates their commitment to Yucatecan society through their work.
Faced with the health contingency, the University produced more than three tons of antiseptic gel for the use
of students, professors, administrative and manual workers, as well as essential personnel who continue
their work.
The antiseptic gel that was produced is composed of 98 percent pure alcohol (with a concentration of 70
percent) and the remaining percentage is distilled water, glycerin and triethanolamine.
Currently, supplies are being awaited so that, if necessary, the production of this sanitizing product can
continue.

33. UADY SOCIAL PROJECTS IMPACT THE
STATE'S COMMUNITIES
Merida, Yucatan, June 19, 2020.- The
communities in the south and southwest
of the state that participated in the social
projects promoted by the Autonomous
University of Yucatan had notorious
socioeconomic impacts, such as the
increase in their economy by $528 pesos
per month per person and a probability of
reducing poverty by 13% in these
households, highlighted the Researcher-
Professor of the Faculty of Economics,
Javier Becerril García.
The book “Social projects, social
construction of knowledge: its impact
assessment” presents in 10 chapters, with
the participation of 30 co-authors, the
progress and changes that the
communities that participated in these
UADY projects had with funding from the
Kellogg Foundation.
Yaxcaba, Cantamayec, Maní, Teabo,
Sotuta, Tixmehuac, Mama, Tzucacab and
Mayapan are some of the communities
benefited in different areas, such as, their
agricultural production, housing,
nutritional situation, and integral health.
The book focuses primarily on evaluating
the objectives around the problem that
communities, teachers and students
decided to work on together.
On the other hand, and following the
topic of social projects, Becerril García
reported that he concluded remotely, via
Institutional Zoom, the Diploma in
"Development of Impact Evaluation
Capacities", which had a total duration of
120 hours in six months with a thematic
content of four modules.
The main objective of this was to
consolidate the competencies in the
design and implementation of economic,
social, environmental and health impact
assessment, for community projects of
any organization.
In total, 29 graduates among UADY
academics and personnel from civil
society organizations completed it
successfully.
At the remote closing, Dr. Luis Araujo
Andrade, Director of the Faculty of
Economics, thanked the interest of all the
participants, and those who made the
diploma possible, to the W.K. Kellogg for
the sponsorship, UADY and all the
personnel of the accounting and
administrative area of the Faculty, as well
as manual workers who supported them
during the six months.

34. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR UADY´S
SOCIAL PROJECT
Recognized
actions for
technology
transfer in
Yaxunah.
Mérida, Yucatan, October 15, 2020.- The
work “Better quality of life for Yaxunah:
towards a comprehensive solution”, led by
UADY’s academics and students, was
awarded second place in the poster contest
of the National Congress and International
Social Service and University Volunteering
of the Universidad Iberoamericana de
Puebla.
The awarded work is an initiative derived
from the project “Sharing clean
technologies and good agroecological
practices with families from Yaxunah”,
carried out by the Social Projects Unit of
the Autonomous University of Yucatán
(UADY) in conjunction with the Kellogg
Foundation.
The person in charge of the project, Lifter
Omar Ricalde Cab, explained that for three
years they have been working in that town,
belonging to Yaxcabá, with activities such
as the use of a solar module and a pump
that is powered by the energy produced by
the solar panel.
"A dialogue was established with 49
households in the community through
interviews and surveys, in order to learn
more about their needs and the
opportunities for implementing the
project," stressed the academic from the
Faculty of Engineering.
He commented that one of the objectives of
this project is social empowerment and
technology transfer, so that the inhabitants
identify the needs of their community,
develop agroecological activities, learn to
efficiently use resources and technologies
such as pumping systems.
The purpose is not only to install the
technology, he said, but to work on the
organizational processes among them, as a
family, so that they are capable of self-
management.
"They have also been taught new
agroecological practices such as stop using
pesticides, generate clean compost,
establish appropriate use systems, among
other things," said Ricalde Cab.
Finally, they were also proposed to
implement domestic biodigesters that
receive human excreta and organic waste
in order to process it to obtain biogas,
which is used for cooking, and liquid
fertilizer to enhance backyard cultivation.
"With these actions, the young people who
participate in the activities have the
opportunity to live a real learning
environment, they know the needs of the
communities and from this training they
can identify problems and propose
solutions", he concluded.

35. Mérida, Yucatán, November 9, 2020.- The researcher from the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY)
Dawrin Pech Puch revealed that they made the discovery of molecules that could be used as potential drugs and
with anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral qualities .
These molecules, he explained, were isolated from marine sponges, sea squirts and gorgonians, which, thanks to
evolution and the passage of time, developed these in order to optimize their protection or defense strategies
against predation, and compete with other species. The organisms were collected as part of the first extensive
investigation of the Natural Products of marine organisms of the Yucatan Peninsula.
So far, the research carried out by Pech Puch has achieved very promising results, including the study of 65 marine
organisms and the isolation of more than 30 natural compounds, of which 10 had not been described so far.
In addition, some of these compounds turned out to be good candidates for their development as drugs, due to the
variety of biological activities they present against various cancer cells, multi-resistant bacteria, adenoviruses, and
as potential anti-inflammatory agents.
During the process of obtaining, the scientist detailed, a series of chemical solvents is used in the first place that
allow breaking the cells of marine organisms and thus obtaining the compounds in the form of crude extracts.
Subsequently, the crude extracts go through a fractionation process, through which the compounds begin to
separate according to their polarity, and finally they are purified using a high-efficiency chromatography
separation equipment.
The chemical structure of the pure compounds, once isolated, is determined using modern techniques such as
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Mass Spectroscopy (EM), and computational tools. Once their chemical
structures are exactly known, the compounds are subjected to biological tests to find out their pharmacological
activity against some disease that affects humans, he concluded.
The specialist stressed that he is also involved in the processing of a European international patent for two
molecules that he isolated from a sponge, and that they are five times more active than the commercial antiviral
drug that is used to date. The development of the research line of Marine Natural Products of the Yucatan
Peninsula will contribute to the search for new drugs that can help in the treatment or combat of diseases such as
cancer.
Currently, Pech Puch began his CONACYT postdoctoral stay within the Tropical Marine Resources academic body
of the Biological and Agricultural Sciences Campus (CCBA) of UADY and its main objective is to implement the new
line of research of Marine Natural Products at UADY, which will allow to continue with the use and increase of the
knowledge of the marine biodiversity of the more than 11 thousand kilometers of coastline that Mexico has, of
which 17.4 percent is occupied by the Yucatan Peninsula.
EXPLORATION OF POTENTIAL
MARINE-BASED DRUGS

36. Facebook
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