"The proof of the importance of research for Tecnológico de Monterrey is reflected in the support and training of human resources and in the allocation of institutional economic resources to research chairs".

Dr. Francisco Cantú, Dean of Research and Graduate Programs of Tecnológico de Monterrey describes the experience of the institution and its projects of sustainable development in the technological and scientific environment of recent years within its mission to be a leader in the continent, preparing professionals and citizens that contribute to the welfare of the society.

Eighteen years ago a fundamental strategy was created and incessant efforts started to prompt research and graduate programs as a result of institutional maturity. Tecnológico de Monterrey went from being a university of instruction to become a university of instruction and research.


Research, core of the graduate program
In this process of transformation, the first step was to strengthen the graduate program, in response to the first institutional mission written in 1985: "…to research in support of the graduate program". Thus an ascending path of institutional changes started. The response for the recognition that research is the marrow of the graduate program was the launch of first five research centers; today there are 56.


Research Chairs: vertebral axis of research at Tecnológico de Monterrey
The most important demonstration of the commitment to prompt research and graduate programs happened in 2003 with the establishment of the research chairs, cooperation method of gathering experienced professors, young professors and doctoral and masters students, and professionals. The research chairs allowed the development of medium and long term projects -from 5 to 15 years- and stimulate the preparation of researchers.

The proof of the importance of research for Tecnológico de Monterrey is reflected in the support and training of human resources and in the allocation of institutional economic resources to research chairs (complemented by external funds).


Physical infrastructure and Human Resources
A viable research environment needs physical infrastructure and human resources. Under this concept Monterrey Tec built the Advanced Technology Center for Production, CETEC; Sustainable Development Center, CEDES; Biotechnology Center; Business School, EGADE; Public Administration and Public Policy School, EGAP; and Innovation and Health Center, CITES.

To encourage "critical thought" of human resources to develop research projects, the institution supports participation in conferences, affiliation to associations in their areas of expertise, submission of papers in specialized magazines and constant training. What is the result of these measures? The number of professors belonging to the National System of Researchers is 236 of a total of 500 research professors.


Graduate programs
The number graduate programs increased from twenty master degrees and three doctorate degrees in 1990, to 80 masters, 10 doctorates and 17 medical specialties in 2008. Almost 50 percent of these programs have been accredited or evaluated for agencies such as the National Counsel of Science and Technology (CONACYT) or the Inter-institutional Commission for the Evaluation of Higher Education (CIEES).

There are also agreements to carry out master degrees with double qualification with prestigious international universities such as Harvard, Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, Arizona State, Thunderbird, Texas A&M, Claremont Graduate, HEC School of Management, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of San Diego, North Carolina in Charlotte.


Research Conference
A clear demonstration of the importance of research is the annual event Research and Development Conference , institutional meeting that creates space for professors and students to share results and exchange experiences. During the conference an annual award known as Don Rómulo Garza is granted to best research projects in recognition of research development at Tecnológico de Monterrey. In its 38° edition, the conference presented 564 projects.


Some Projects
- Identification and isolation of python-chemical compositions with therapeutic and preventive potential against the chronic-degenerative illnesses and cancer.

- Production of bio-ethanol from sorghum and lingo-cells materials.

- Engineering of therapeutic proteins: development of cell lines production of mono-clone antibodies and design and production processes escalation of these composed.

- Intensive Production of bio-combustibles from agencies photo-synthetics.

- Design and escalation of bio-reactors for the mother cells expansion.

- Bio-separation of conjugated protein-polymer utilizing systems division mechanisms of two watery phases.

- Efficient Extraction of products of cyan-bacteria with systems of two watery phases.


In acknowledgement for the research development, Tecnológico de Monterrey received the National Prize of Technology 2007 and the Prize TECHNOS 2007. These awards are the result of the vision of executives, talented research professors and students, and the support of several organizations that believe in the mission of Tecnológico de Monterrey to become a leader of the continent, preparing professionals that care about the welfare of society.


By Dr. Francisco Cantú

Dr. Francisco Cantú Is Dean of Research and Graduate Programs at Tecnológico de Monterrey. He has been involved in different activities such as the professor, researcher, director of the Artificial Intelligence Center and Computer Sciences Center. Additionally, Dr. Cantú wrote more than 50 publications and has participated in national and international advisory boards. He has a PhD degree in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and a master degree in Computer Science from the Public University of North Dakota. E-mail: fcantu@itesm.mx

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