Catalogue of projects of the Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Foreword T his illustrated catalogue bears witness to an event of enormous importance for the economical, scientific and technological progress of Mexico: international cooperation in terms of scientific research and technological development with the European Union, one of the most prosperous regions in the world. It is a fact that scientific research and technological development are essential activities for any country on the planet, as they give rise to progress and lead to greater economic and social well-being. Mexico has scientists and specialists in technology at the highest level, who have excellent qualifications and carry out projects which are both strategic and valuable for countries that are on the cutting edge of research, innovation and development. Therefore, the European Union and Mexico have agreed to establish a framework for cooperation in the areas of Science and Technology on the basis of mutual interest and benefit. The FONCICYT aims to encourage a strengthening of the scientific and technological capabilities of Mexico by bringing about improvements in competitiveness, growth and employment. In this way, it shall contribute to the solution of socioeconomic and environmental problems. Hence, the FONCICYT encourages collaboration between both regions and is proof of the great interest that exists within the scientific and business communities of Mexico to participate in joint projects with member countries of the European Union. In this catalogue, you will be able to find information on the twenty-four projects and ten research networks that are financed by the European Union and Mexico. To do so, each contributed fifty percent of a budget which stands at twenty million euros. As you will appreciate, these projects entail an important benefit to society, and allow Mexico to consolidate its progress towards scientific and technological developments that are both great and prosperous. Marie Anne Coninsx Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Mexico Juan Carlos Romero Hicks Director General of the National Council for Science and Technology in Mexico (CONACYT) 5 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology The Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology (FONCICYT) was created as a result of this bilateral relationship, which has grown stronger over the past decade. This new fund has been exceptionally successful at identifying projects and mobilising the Mexican and European scientific communities through co-financing. Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology 6 Table of Contents What is the FONCICYT?................................................................ 8 Scientific Community Interest in the Programme .................... 10 7 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Index of Networks and Projects.................................................. 14 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Biotechnology Non-nuclear Energy Biomedical and Health Research Economic and Social Development Research Electronics, Materials and Metrology Research Environmental and Climate Research; Including Earth Observation Information Society Technologies Industrial and Manufacturing Technologies What is the FONCICYT? I t is the Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology, which was established by Mexico and the European Union in 2007 as part of the International Cooperation Programme between both parties for the Encouragement of Scientific and Technological Research. Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology 8 FONCICYT Programme Budget This programme is upheld in the Financing Convention between the European Community and the National Council for Science and Technology in Mexico, which stipulates that each party must contribute €10M (€20M in total), and that the geographical sphere of intervention must include all Mexican territory and all European Union member countries. The programme is implemented through the FONCICYT, in order to finance joint research networks and projects carried out within both regions. The objective of the FONCICYT is to strengthen the scientific and technological capabilities of Mexico, in order to contribute to the solution of environmental and socioeconomic problems. In fact, it is estimated that this fund has created around 800 direct jobs. It also seeks to encourage cooperation within the aforementioned categories between Mexico and the Member States of the European Union, in order to focus on local and regional development. Distribution of the 20 Million Euro Budget Distribution of the 15.8 Million Euros Corresponding to Project Co-financing B Background ilateral relations between the EU and Mexico are governed by the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement which came into effect in October 2000. Scientific and technological developments have clearly been a priority in the timetable for cooperation between the European Commission and the Mexican government. Launch of the Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology (FONCICYT). 11th February 2008. Both parties share the wish to reinforce cooperation in areas of common interest and consider that science and technology are hugely important for social and economic development. Therefore, they signed a sectoral agreement in 2004 based on the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity of access to relevant programmes and activities to meet the established objectives. • • • Projects for creating and strengthening research networks. Joint research projects between scientists and experts from Mexico and EU member countries, applicable to environmental, social and economic sectors, preferably focussed on local and regional development. Strategic coordination, partnership, public image and information activities. Marie Anne Coninsx, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Mexico,. Leonardo Ríos Guerrero, National Director of the FONCICYT. Results 1. Financing of joint research projects in the sectors contemplated in the EU-Mexico cooperation agreement on science and technology (see research sector chart on page 11). 2. Creation and strengthening of research networks and consortia between Mexicans and Europeans. 3. Training of human resources linked to Mexico’s system of science, technology and innovation. 4. Creation of partnership mechanisms between Universities, Development, Technology and Innovation Research (IDTI) centres, companies, NGOs, government departments and local government both in Mexico and in EU Member States. T he direct beneficiary of the Cooperation Programme is the CONACYT, which is responsible for administration of the FONCICYT and ultimately responsible to the European Commission for the application of funds contributed by this body to the FONCICYT trust. The CONACYT must ensure at all times that these funds are used pursuant to the Financing Agreement. The indirect beneficiaries of the Programme are stakeholders in the science and technology sector of Mexico and those EU member countries which are directly involved in public and private research projects. Other indirect beneficiaries are public and private higher education institutions, local government and the productive sector. 9 The final beneficiaries of the Programme are the societies of both Mexico and EU member countries, as these cofinanced projects will increase the capability and applicability of scientific and technological research in the two regions, thus allowing improvements to the standard of living and well-being of their populations. In addition to the above, the implementation of the FONCICYT also aims to contribute to improving competitiveness, growth and employment in the medium term. Moreover, it creates the conditions for improving Mexican participation in the research, technological development and innovation programmes of the European Research Area, especially that of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), which focuses on local and regional development. Representatives of CONACYT and the European Delegation to Mexico during a FONCICYT Meeting, on 8th December 2009. Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology The main activities of the FONCICYT: Beneficiaries of the EU-Mexico International Cooperation Programme for the Encouragement of Scientific and Technological Research Scientific Community Interest in the Programme T Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology 10 he CONACYT published the Expressions of Interest Survey (EDIS) in 2008 for two reasons: to get to know the potential for collaboration between Mexico and the European Union, and to stimulate the formation of consortia for the FONCICYT request for proposals launched afterwards. To do so, interested parties were also requested to send a research proposal that included subject areas, possible partners, objectives, expected results and project costs. The survey found widespread acceptance within the scientific and industrial communities. It received nearly 900 responses, of which 317 had all the necessary elements for completion of the request for proposals. CONACYT analysed the proposals presented with the help of independent experts. The results showed the ample interest and capacity for collaboration in the scientific and technological communities of Mexico and Europe for the creation of joint IDTI proposals. I They also set the standard for establishing the nature of the request for proposals to be launched afterwards, taking into account the needs of the scientific and technological communities. 2008 Request for IDTI Network and Project Proposals t was launched in 2008 and was open for three months. The broad geographical participation and extensive number Proposals had to be made via an electronic system in of participants revealed the large existing demand and merits the 12 subject areas established by the science and further financial commitment. technology cooperation agreement. It is possible, although complex, to design and implement - At least 2 Mexican bodies (1 of which is coordinator) + 2 a common set of standards that govern and administrate European bodies had to participate per project. Third party funds from different authorities. countries (not forming part of Mexico or the EU) were welcome. - The Evaluation Criteria were: scientific excellence + administrative quality + impact and dissemination of the results. - The planned financing would cover 70% of the total costs. - The participants were 218 consortia, 23 EU Member States + 31 Mexican States and 780 European and Mexican bodies (see results in the charts on the following page). - The estimated budget for the 218 proposals presented stood at 143 million euros. The FONCICYT request for proposals was an excellent tool for discovering and mobilising this auspicious potential for technological cooperation in the sphere of Science and Technology. Results from the 2008 Request for Proposals Research Sectors 10 networks and 24 projects were chosen. These cover 9 of the 12 sectors established in the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement. The following chart lists which sectors these are: 11 Each project and network consists of at least two Mexican and two EU bodies, which include research centres, universities and SMEs from both regions. 141 bodies are involved in projects and 67 in networks. 15% of the participating bodies are SMEs. Geographical Distribution In Mexico, there were participating networks and projects from 20 states (out of 32), whilst 12 (out of 27) participated from the European Union. Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Participants Networks and Projects Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology 14 Index of Networks and Projects Agriculture, forestry and fisheries Biotechnology Mutualisms with bees in tropical landscapes: risks and rescue for biodiversity and crop production.......................................................................... 16 Saccharification technology for the production of high added value products from water lilies and their potential use in the production of biofuels........ 19 Strategies to reduce postharvest losses and maintain the quality of mexican fruit exported to Europe................................................................................. 17 Preparation of active packaging with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity based on astaxanthin and chitosan.............................................................................. 20 Research, technological development and innovation network for the strengthening of Bivalve Mollusc Cultivation ......................................................................... 18 Bioprospecting for microorganisms from Industrial wastes and biotechnological application........................................... 21 Nanofarmalab: a DNA Chip used for predicting the response to pharmacological treatments..................... 22 Non-nuclear energy Electronics, materials and metrology research Research, development and implementation of solar cooling systems for freezing and air conditioning...................................................................... 23 Oxides for Spintronics....................................................... 36 Underwater geothermal resources in the North of the Gulf of California.................................................... 25 Sliding mode control and monitoring for process automation in energy production.......................................................................... 26 Biomedicine and health research Development of an antivenom treatment for snake bite poisoning with European coverage............................................................................. 27 A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Study of Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells: basic and clinical aspects................................................................................ 28 Development of transgenic mosquitoes resistant to malaria and dengue transmission.................................. 29 Intracellular calcium in the regulation of the circadian clock in mammals: implications for mental health .............................................................................................. 30 Comprehensive study of the genome, proteome and metabolome in abortions and live Births of Children with aneuploidy: search for non-Invasive biomarkers.......................................................................... 31 Economic and social development research Conservation, development, social use and protection of traditional mexican knowledge and resources............................................................................ 32 Socio-demographic change and active ageing: scientific contribution to preventative public policies................................................................................ 33 Risk and vulnerability network: social strategies for prevention and adaptation.............................................. 34 Scientific Network for Localised Agrifood System (REDSIAL)......................................................................... 35 Creation of a new Mex-Eu network of excellence in materials with industrial applications............................ 38 Environmental and climate research; including earth observation Community conservation (CONSERVCOM): the role of local participation in biodiversity conservation. case studies from the southeast of Mexico................................................................................. 39 Field and instrumental observations, and experimental surveys applied to volcanic disaster prevention: development of instruments and new methods for studying volcanic activity............................................... 40 15 Theoretical chemistry network for environment and health..... 41 Bioprocesses and control for water treatment (BITA)............... 42 Research network for sustainable management of land ecosystems......................................................................... 43 Comprehensive treatment of complex wastewater products from the oil industry......................................... 44 Information society technologies Europe-Mexico consortium for the development of quantum information and communication technologies....................................................................... 45 Dynamic probabilistic graphical models and their applications........................................................................ 46 Image analysis for controlling autonomous robots................................................................................. 47 Industrial and manufacturing technologies Processing, properties and characteristics of steels for electrical uses.................................................................... 48 Research, development and implementation of a prototype product line of centrifugal split case pumps for clear liquids handling...................................................................................... 49 * The amounts for the following projects are presented in Mexican pesos and euros. Currency conversions were calculated using the oficial rate of exchange published in request for proposals FONCICYT-C 002-2008-1 (EUR 1= 16.0346 from the European Central Bank, 29th May 2008). Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Development of catalytic materials for the production of ultraclean fuels.................................... 24 Basic research on advanced innovative nanomaterials: applications for the solution to neurological disorders............................................................................. 37 Mutualisms with bees in tropical landscapes: risks and rescue for biodiversity and crop production T he objective of this project is to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity through the generation of knowledge about the links between land use in tropical landscapes and the biodiversity of bees, in addition to its impact on agricultural production in the southern states of Chiapas and Yucatán. A scientific cooperation network between Mexican and European institutions, focussed on the problem of loss of pollinators, has been created in order to reach this aim in 16 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: a sustainable, comprehensive and effective way. This project involves both researchers and technicians, as well as beekeepers and farmers. Additionally, recent scientific theories are being tested, such as the production of diploid males or the spread of pathogens, which may serve as risk indicators for endangered species. This will generate mechanisms to add value to biodiversity, thus contributing to a reduction in poverty through sustainable agricultural production. El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Chiapas, México. Partners Countries: Partners: • Miel Maya Honing, Belgium. • Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom. • Instituto de Biología, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico. • Universidad de Murcia, Spain. • Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Germany Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$17.424.586,00 /€1.086.686,67 MX$12.023.697,00 /€749.859,49 22 months 34 Agriculture, forestry and Rémy Vandame, PhD fisheries El Colegio de la Frontera Sur Tel. +52 (967) 674 9000 [email protected]; [email protected] Strategies to reduce postharvest losses and maintain the quality of mexican fruit exported to Europe strategies and apply appropriate techniques and technologies, such as systems for quality evaluation and the manual for improving handling systems. This project has established effective collaboration between industry and researchers in Mexico and in Europe. We will therefore be working directly with certain Mexican export companies, which will ensure the direct transfer of technology to these and similar companies of the sector. Project Coordinator: Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, México. 17 Partners Countries: Partners: • Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Barcelona, Spain. • Fairtrade South America, Michoacán, Mexico. • Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (K.U.Leuven), Belgium • Wageningen University Research - Agrotechnology & Foodinnovations, Wageningen, the Netherlands. • Writtle College, Essex, United Kingdom. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$9.241.378,00/€576.339,79 MX$6.096.400,00/€380.202,81 22 months 80 Elhadi Yahia Kazuz, PhD Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro [email protected] Agriculture, forestry and fisheries Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology S everal problems affect the export of Mexican fruit to Europe during the transport phase, affecting its quality when it reaches that market. Thus, the objectives of this project are to identify points where problems arise within the export chain from Mexico to Europe, in order to make the necessary recommendations, and to develop a good practice manual for the appropriate handling of this fruit. In addition, we intend to leverage research Research, technological development and innovation network for the strengthening of bivalve mollusc cultivation B ivalve molluscs play a very important role in filtering and accumulating pollution present in the areas where they develop. The best known are oysters, clams, razor clams, mussels, shipworms, cockles, etc. As they are usually eaten raw or lightly cooked, their harvest must be governed by strict sanitary controls. This is the objective of the network, which seeks to develop mechanisms for integration between research institutions and the productive sector to strengthen 18 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: the cultivation of bivalve molluscs in the medium and long term. The network is strengthened by interinstitutional work through the training, standardisation of techniques and entry of more researchers in all areas of knowledge on the subject of bivalve molluscs. Moreover, joint dissemination and publication will provide greater protection and a good international image for the institutions who participate in this network. Instituto de Acuacultura del Estado de Sonora, O. P. D. México. Partners Countries: Partners: • Universidad de Sonora, México. • Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Baja California sur, México. • Centro de Investigaciones en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C. Sonora, México. • Institut Français de Recherche pour l‘Exploitation de la Mer, IFREMER, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. • Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, IRTA, Barcelona, Spain. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$2.633.709,00/€164.251,62 Agriculture, MX$1.603.127,00/€99.979,23 forestry and 12 months fisheries 25 María de Lourdes Juárez Romero, Oceanographer Instituto de Acuacultura del Estado de Sonora O.P.D. Tel. +52 (662) 2171937 [email protected] Saccharification technology for the production of High added value products from water lilies and their potential use in the production of biofuels W ater lilies are an environmental problem, as their excessive growth leads to the pollution of bodies of water. In response, this project seeks to develop a technology for comprehensive utilization of this plant, which has been inadequately handled so far. The objective also includes the generation of high added value products and raw materials for biofuel production, which makes the cost of water hyacinth removal sustainable. It is obligatory for the plant to be withdrawn, since its growth is harmful for the life of the water body itself. Thus, the productive sector will benefit from a technology operating in a comprehensive manner to take advantage of a contaminant material commonly present in water bodies. 19 Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Universidad Politécnica de Pachuca, Mexico. • Tecnología Especializada en el Medio Ambiente, Mexico City, Mexico. • Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Madrid, Spain. • Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Marseilles, France. MX$8.462.314,00/€527.753,36 MX$5.923.619,00/€369.427,30 21 months 7 Ernesto Favela Torres, PhD Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Tel. +52 (55) 58046555 [email protected] Biotechnology Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: Preparation of active packaging with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity based on astaxanthin and chitosan T he main aim of this project is to develop a methodology that permits the incorporation of compounds obtained from shrimp waste for the development of active packaging with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which will prolong the useful life of packaged food products. Chitosan (solid phase) and astaxanthin (lipid phase) are two main bioactive compounds extracted from fermented shrimp waste. Both compounds will be incorporated into plastic matrices of 20 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (PA) for the preparation of active packaging. The antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities of the packaging materials developed will be verified, in order to establish a scaledup extraction process. A study of release kinetics and legal aspects will be performed concurrently. Finally, this project will lead to the establishment of an international science and technology network for the exchange of knowledge and research on the subject. Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, México. Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Bioderpac, Sonora, Mexico. • Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Sonora, Mexico. • Fundación Gaiker, Biscay, Spain. • Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal. • Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain. MX$6.991.696,00/€436.038,07 MX$4.195.018,00/€261.622,87 23 months 104 Jaime López Cervantes, PhD Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora Tel. +52 (644) 4100900 [email protected] Biotechnology Bioprospecting for microorganisms from industrial wastes and biotechnological application This tool will allow an efficient and economical industrial process to characterise and apply selected microorganisms or catabolic genes to remove Cr(VI) and other metals. If this innovative technology demonstrates high efficiency at a small and large scale, will be submitted to patent processes. In addition, the results will be systematically disseminated at national academic conferences, international events and in international scientific journals. Project Coordinator: Universidad de Guanajuato, México. 21 Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Química Central de México, S. A. de C.V., Guanajuato, Mexico. • Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain. • Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico. • Université de Pau y des Pays de l’Adour, (Equipe Environnement et Microbiologie del Institut Pluridisciplinaire de Recherche Environnement et Matériaux), Pau, France. MX$10.949.938,00/€682.894,37 MX$7.664.956,00/€478.026,02 21 months 19 J. Félix Gutiérrez Corona, PhD Universidad de Guanajuato Tel. +52 (473) 7320006 [email protected] Biotechnology Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology B iodiversity is a source of genetic and biochemical resources with great potential for scientific and technological development worldwide. To explore, identify, select and isolate its useful components, there is a process called bioprospecting, through which microorganisms are located that serve various branches of industry. This project aims to make use of bioprospecting for biotreatment of industrial wastes contaminated with hexavalent chromium. Nanofarmalab: a DNA chip used for predicting the response to pharmacological treatments W hen a certain drug and dosage is administered to an individual to combat a disease, the person’s metabolism generates different responses to the drug, including adverse reactions. These reactions are caused by polymorphisms or mutations in genes related to the individual’s metabolism, neurotransmission, signal transductions generated by membrane receptors, phase II enzymes and the transportation of solutes. A DNA chip that identifies the 90 most common polymorphisms in the genomes of European individuals has been designed, and has prevented adverse reactions in breast and bladder cancer treatments, as well as in inflammation. The objective of this 22 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: project is to use this DNA chip to identify the polymorphisms characteristic of the Mexican population, carry out a preliminary clinical validation of the tool and begin to incorporate them into clinical practice in Mexico. With this technology in Molecular Biology and Genome Sciences, we will be able to contribute to the quality of life of patients by avoiding the use of impreciselyprescribed drugs and dosages. In addition, we will save patients money by reducing consultations and the use of ineffective drug regimens. Recommendations will be provided to physicians about drug selection based on the genomic profile of each patient, allowing better use of hospital and physician resources. Vitagénesis, S.A. de C.V. Nuevo León, México. Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Innopsys, Toulouse, France. • Laboratorios Silanes, Mexico City, Mexico. • Progenika Biopharma, Bilbao, Spain. MX$18.773.060,00/€1.170.784,43 MX$13.141.142,00/€819.549,10 21 months 16 Hugo Alberto Barrera Saldaña, PhD Vitagénesis, S.A. de C.V. Tel. +52 (81) 83294174 [email protected]; [email protected] Biotechnology Research, development and implementation of solar cooling systems for freezing and air conditioning The first is continuous, working with an ammonia/lithium nitrate mixture, and will be coupled to a solar heating system consisting of 22 square meters of evacuated tubes. The second is intermittent, working with an ammonia/barium chloride mixture, and will be coupled to a flat collector bank, which will be enhanced by a CPC collector bank with a total area of 20 square meters. At the end of the project, we expect to have an optimized development of two solar refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, which will have appropriate control and may be monitored remotely. Project Coordinator: Centro de Investigación en Energía, UNAM, Morelos, México. 23 Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • EURAC, Bolzano, Italy. • CARTIF, Valladolid, Spain. • Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexico. MX$8.620.615,00/€537.625,82 MX$6.034.430,00/€376.338,04 22 months 23 Roberto Best y Brown, PhD Centro de Investigación en Energía Tel. +52 (777) 3620098 [email protected] Non-nuclear energy Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T hermal solar energy use contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions and those of other gases harmful to the atmosphere. It is therefore considered respectful of the environment as well as being renewable, inexhaustible, and clean. This project is working on the development of two air-cooled refrigeration and/ or air-conditioning systems to operate precisely with medium-temperature solar thermal energy. To do so, it is developing comprehensive mathematical models of these systems and their main components, in order to optimise performance of two absorption systems at the same time. Development of catalytic materials for the production of ultraclean fuels T he aim of this project is to produce ultraclean diesel. To do so, NiW catalytic materials solids are being developed that allows us to control and reduce harmful combustion exhaust gases. These are supported on different oxides that are highly active and selective, thus providing hydrotreatment to light cycle oil, which is Mexican in origin. In order to study this, European and Mexican laboratories are working together to characterise these diesel cuts with cutting-edge technology (such as two-dimensional gas chromatography, simulated distillation and nuclear magnetic 24 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: resonance). This knowledge will allow us to establish a correlation between activity, selectivity and resistance to deactivation, and the properties of solid catalysts, which will in turn generate information on the kinetics of real diesel cuts. The expected result is to obtain between 1 and 3 prototype catalysers, and with this resolve the problems of evaluating Mexican diesel cuts which comply with environmental regulations. As a final result, PEMEX-Refinación would have a solid and competitive basis for developing an industrial catalyser from the most outstanding prototypes worldwide. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l’Environnement de Lyon, France. • Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, Madrid, Spain. • Centro de Investigaciones Químicas, Pachuca, Mexico. MX$1.777.200,00/€110.835,32 MX$1.244.000,00/€77.582,23 21 months 12 José Antonio de los Reyes Heredia, PhD Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana [email protected] Tel. +52 (55) 58044603 Non-nuclear Energy Underwater geothermal resources in the North of the Gulf of California be used to determine the geomorphological nature of these basins, which will allow us to build detailed bathymetric maps. We shall also study water/rock interaction processes from samples collected by the unmanned robot submarine (ROV) which shall allow us to determine the nature of the bed at depth. The result of these joint scientific studies between European and Mexican institutions will give us highly-qualified human resources, as well as implementing long-term projects for future exploitation of underwater geothermal sources. Project Coordinator: Instituto de Geofísica, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico 25 Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, CSIC, Barcelona, Spain. • Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico. • National University of Ireland, Ireland. • Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, Spain. MX$16.068.251,00/€1.002.098,65 MX$9.148.251,00/€570.531,91 22 months 28 Rosa Ma. Prol Ledezma, PhD Instituto de Geofísica Tel. +52 (55) 56224394 [email protected] Non-nuclear Energy Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology I n order to find sustainable sources of underwater energy which can be tapped, this project is working on the nature of hydrothermal energy within the tectonic context of the Wagner and Consag Basins (Gulf of California, Mexico). Moreover, it seeks to determine the energy discharge from heat flow maps and physicochemical parameters at the seabed. This will us to obtain an estimate of the probable geothermal resources that exist in this sea area. Multibeam echo sounders, data from the Topas profiler and the side-scan sonar will Sliding mode control and monitoring for process automation in energy production T he objective of this project is to form a Mexico-European Union Research Network that develops methods for controlling and monitoring energy production processes by means of higher order sliding mode algorithms. These sliding modes are mathematical models used for the simulation and implementation of controllers. In turn, the controllers are used to regulate a process. The result of this will be an improvement in the supply of energy, thus benefitting both public and industrial sectors and contributing to stronger bonds 26 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: between Mexican research and industry. At the same time, the network will allow the training of high-level human resources dedicated to encouraging the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology for saving energy, as well as the exchange of theoretical and technological advances between researchers by means of a visit programme. It is important to note that the improvement in efficiency of energy conversion and transmission processes will reduce the negative effects that generation of this resource causes to the environment. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico Partners Countries: Partners: • CINVESTAV, Zacatenco and Guadalajara, Mexico. • Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico. • Ecole Centrale de Nantes, France. • Università di Cagliari, Italy. • Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, Spain. • University of Kent, United Kingdom. • University of Leicester, United Kingdom. • Università di Pavia, Italy. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$1.603.457,00/€99.999,81 MX$1.122.419,00/€69.999,81 22 months 22 Leonid Fridman, PhD Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tels. +52 (55) 56223016 & 54212056 [email protected] Non-nuclear energy Development of an antivenom treatment for snake bite poisoning with european coverage Those specialized products that exist in the region have a liquid dosage form and their coverage is limited. Conversely, the proposed antivenom is composed of lyophilized immunoglobulin fragments capable of neutralizing the venom of European vipers of medical importance. Stability tests and immunochemical characterization of the product will also be performed as part of the goals of this project, and standard operating procedures will be established for its further manufacturing process. Project Coordinator: Instituto Bioclon, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City, Mexico 27 Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Instituto de Biología, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico. • Vivotecnia Research S.L. Madrid, Spain. • Centre Antipoison et de Toxicovigilance de Marseille, Hospital Salvador, Marseilles, France. MX$14.349.995,00/€894.939,38 MX$10.044.997,00/€626.457,60 23 months 21 Jorge Fernando Paniagua Solís, PhD Instituto Bioclon, S.A. de C.V. Tel. +52 (55) 54883751 [email protected] Biomedicine and health research Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T he purpose of this project is to carry out the biopharmaceutical development of an antivenom capable of treating most European snakebiterelated envenomation. The idea is to obtain a polivalent antivenom that resolves most envenomation cases in the European Union, by means of a systematic analysis of the biological activity of medically-important snake species. The result of this work will be reflected in the extension of a line of products that are specific, effective and safe for markets with high added value. A multidisciplinary approach for the study of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells: basic and clinical aspects D endritic cells belong to the immune system and are able to capture both self and non-self antigens, including those from pathogens. The main function of these cells is to catch antigens, processing and presenting them to T lymphocytes, which generate the immune response upon activation. Therefore, dendritic cells have a key role in the phenomenon of immunity or resistance against viruses, bacteria and pathogenic fungi. In addition, dendritic cells also participate in the generation of abnormal immune responses, directed against self-antigens, resulting in so-called autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, 28 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: autoimmune thyroid disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this project is to form a multidisciplinary team to elucidate the exact role of dendritic cells in different autoimmune conditions, in order to improve our knowledge of their pathogenesis and generate novel therapeutic possibilities. To achieve this, the research team will perform in vitro and in vivo experiments, in patients as well as in animal models of autoimmune diseases, by employing sophisticated analytical techniques. The expected products of this project include young investigators with excellent training, the generation of frontier knowledge and patents. Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, México. Partners Countries: Partners: • Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain. • Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico. • Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, the Netherlands. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$22.950.000,00/€1.431.279,86 MX$16.034.000,00/€999.962,58 22 months 18 Roberto F. González Amaro, PhD Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí Tel. +52 (444) 8177706 [email protected] Biomedicine and health research Development of transgenic mosquitoes resistant to malaria and dengue transmission and a transgenic mosquito will be produced that expresses these molecules, interrupting the development of pathogens and therefore their transmission. This project’s objectives include the development of a rapid screening system to find molecules with anti-malaria and anti-dengue activity. We will also expect to find proteins and peptides able to interrupt malaria parasite development and the replication of the dengue virus. These scientific achievements will have the potential for use by the Mexican pharmaceutical industry and health sector. Project Coordinator: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Morelos, México. 29 Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Oxitec Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom. • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico. • Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Crete, Greece. MX$14.600.000,00/€910.530,98 MX$10.180.000,00/€634.877,08 22 months 23 Juan Humberto Lanz Mendoza, PhD Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública Tel. +52 (777) 3293074 [email protected] Biomedicine and health research Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology M alaria and dengue are very important public health problems in Mexico and in the rest of the world. They require a vector mosquito for development and transmission. In this project, we will develop transgenic mosquitoes resistant to the transmission of these diseases. We are going to select molecules that can avoid the development of these pathogens in vitro. Among these, we will investigate the inhibiting capacity of the mosquito’s antimicrobial peptides, scorpion venom toxins and some protease inhibitors (serpins). The molecules with greater inhibiting capacity will be selected, Intracellular calcium in the regulation of the circadian clock in mammals: implications for mental health T he circadian clock is the mechanism by which mammals coordinate the timing of physiological and behavioural processes which enable them to adapt to an environment that changes on a daily basis. These processes are biological rhythms with a frequency of close to 24 hours, such as the sleep/wake cycle or the daily pattern of hormonal release into the blood. The main circadian clock is the suprachiasmatic nuclei, a bilateral structure located in the hypothalamus, which is necessary to entrain rhythmicity in peripheral oscillators, and thus coordinate rhythmicity in the whole organism. In this project, we will establish an academic 30 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: consortium among Mexican and European scientists to conduct joint experimental research in order to fully understand the function of circadian clocks and their possible application to mental health alterations related to the clock function. The main goal is to understand the role of intracellular calcium in the circadian clockwork in suprachiasmatic nuclei neurons; to communicate our findings via international high impact publications and scientific forums; and to seek opportunities to develop technological transfer to the benefit of affective disorder patients such as those with bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder and/or major depression. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, D.F., México. Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. • Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del I.P.N., Mexico City, Mexico. • Universiteit Leiden, the Netherlands. MX$13.833.695,00/€862.740,26 MX$9.673.695,00/€603.301,30 22 months 8 Raúl Antonio Aguilar Roblero, PhD Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tel. +52 (55) 56225650 [email protected] Biomedicine and health research Comprehensive study of the genome, proteome and metabolome in abortions and live births of children with aneuploidy: in search of noninvasive biomarkers whether a condition, disease, or process is normal or abnormal. This project has two objectives: 1) to identify whether there are specific biomarkers (such as proteins and metabolites) that indicate the presence of these chromosomal syndromes, and 2) to find differences between abortions and live births with the same aneuploid condition. In this study we will include both live births and spontaneous abortions with the same aneuploidy. This will allow us to identify candidate molecules that could be added to the currently-used biomarkers, which are primarily for Down’s syndrome, and to provide information on genetic factors that are associated with foetal death or survival at birth of individuals with aneuploidies. Project Coordinator: Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, Mexico 31 Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Genetadi Biotech S.L., Biscay, Spain. • Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico. • Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. $15.605.813,00/€973.258,64 $10.924.069,00/€681.281,04 21 months 23 Sara Frías Vazquez, PhD Instituto Nacional de Pediatría Tel.: +52 (55) 10845533 [email protected] Biomedicine and Health Research Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology A neuploidy is a change in the chromosome number, which can lead to genetic diseases. An individual with aneuploidy may have an extra or missing chromosome, which will cause a deficiency in their physical or mental development or both. Examples are Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), Down’s syndrome (trisomy 21) or Turner syndrome (monosomy X). 95% of these cases are spontaneously aborted, but the 5% that come to term represent a population with high morbidity and mortality, especially among children. In addition, biological markers or biomarkers are biological molecules found in the blood, bodily fluids or tissues that indicate Conservation, development, social use and protection of traditional mexican knowledge and resources T he aim of this project is to identify which communities in the states of Guerrero, Hidalgo and Michoacán possess Traditional Knowledge (TK) with technological potential for the sustainable management of the following natural resources: maize, maguey, medicinal and nutritious plants (MNP), aquatic resources and species (ARS), wood and firewood. Our prime concern is to develop technological innovations that consider the protection and intellectual property rights of the participating communities in order for them to manage these resources in a manner that contributes to their sustainable economic and social development. Similarly, the project will offer tools to the communities to help them overcome organisational challenges Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology 32 Project Coordinator: in matters of collaboration, and to resolve conflicts related to the management and property of natural resources. Basic, applied, and field research have been used to this end for investigation of ethno-ecological, ethical, political, socio-anthropological, economical, legal and epistemological themes to contribute to the objectives of the project. The innovations will include the active participation of the involved communities, including the incorporation of appropriate scientific and technological knowledge, whilst respecting the conservation and social uses of TK as well as culture and environment. An Internet portal will be developed to help disseminate these results among various communities. Seminario de Investigación sobre Sociedad del Conocimiento y Diversidad Cultural, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico. Partners Countries: Partners: • Groupe d’Études et de Services pour l’Économie des Ressources. (GEYSER), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. • Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain. • Grupo Interdisciplinario de TecnologÌa Rural Apropiada, Michoacán, Mexico. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$26.658.709,00/€1.662.574,00 MX$16.034.600,00/€1.000.000,00 Economic and 22 months social development 55 researc León Olivé Morett, PhD Seminario de Investigación sobre Sociedad del Conocimiento y Diversidad Cultural, UNAM Tel. +52 (55) 56227200 [email protected] Socio-demographic change and active ageing: scientific contribution for future-oriented public policy T his project seeks to generate public policy for the elderly through recommendations taken from gerontological research which are designed to improve the quality of life for elderly individuals in the state of Colima. The project also aims to ensure that quality biopsychosocial wellbeing services are provided to the elderly in Colima, so that the state becomes a scientifically-supported point of reference for other states in Mexico. Thus, increased awareness of issues around ageing in Mexican society will be achieved through human resources training, updating of databases on topics relating to the elderly, specialized studies, workshops and campaigns to promote active ageing, and media dissemination of project results. 33 Servicios de Salud del Estado de Colima, México. Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Universidad de Colima, Mexico. • Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico. • Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain. • Universität Heidelberg, Germany. • Fundación Academia Europea de Yuste, Spain. MX$21.549.600,00/€1.343.943,72 MX$14.405.600,00/€898.407,19 22 months 32 Volker Georg Lehr Leipold, PhD Servicios de Salud del Estado de Colima [email protected], [email protected] Economic and social development research Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: Risk and vulnerability network: social strategies of prevention and adaptation W ith the aim of preventing and reducing the risk of hydrometeorological disasters in Mexico and the European Union, this network is developing new hypotheses and research on the impacts and results of adaptive strategies using environmental analysis and social anthropology perspectives. It has been argued that sustainable development, as well as the reduction, resolution, mitigation and prevention of disaster risks, share the same agenda and are interdependent, so that they 34 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: cannot be investigated separately. From the recovery of cultural knowledge developed over the years by many researchers and institutions, the network analyses the processes of social construction of risk and vulnerability associated with specific hazards. The initial assumption is that disasters are long-term processes and that disaster risk is a result of accumulated vulnerability, hence the network uses the concept of adaptive strategies, which are derived from particular hazards (particularly those with a recurring presence). Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en AntropologÍa Social (CIESAS), D.F., México. Partners Countries: Partners: • Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico. • Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy. • Department of World Cultures, University of Helsinki, Finland. • University of Hull, United Kingdom. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$2.290.000,00/€142.816,16 MX$1.603.000,00/€99.971,31 22 months 12 Virginia Araceli García Acosta, PhD CIEAS Tel. +52 (55) 54873600 [email protected] Economic and social development research Scientific Network for Localised Agrifood System (REDSIAL) quality and classification of agrifood tourism products and services. The aim of this is to contribute to social cohesion as regards differentiated agroindustrial products, as well as developing the capability for exchanging knowledge, methodologies and analysis that allow us to set up research and development projects with socio-economic results. The Network shall eventually include both stakeholders and participating groups of rural businesses.. Project Coordinator: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), Mexico Partners Countries: Partners: • Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Estado de México, Mexico • Groupement d’Intérêt scientifique Systèmes Agroalimentaires Localisés (Gis SYAL), Montpellier, France. • Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Estado de • Laboratoire d’Etudes et de Recherche sur l’Economie, México, Mexico. les Politiques et les Systèmes Sociaux (LEREPS), • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Université de Toulouse, France. Mexico City, Mexico • Centro de Ciencias Humanas y Sociales, Consejo Superior de • Universidad de los Altos de Chiapas, San Cristóbal, Mexico. Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain. • Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico. • Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Paris, France. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$3.222.600,00/€200.977,89 MX$1.600.000,00/€99.784,22 Economic and social development 22 months research 12 Angélica María de Jesús Espinoza Ortega, PhD Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México Tel. +52 (722) 2965552 [email protected] 35 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T his network aims to contribute to the design of new rural development policies in the local and territorial sphere in Mexico, placing emphasis on the agroindustrial aspect. Once a Scientific Network of researchers and people responsible for cooperation between Mexico and Europe has been set up, research will begin into subjects related to Rural Agroindustry (AIR), Localised Agrifood Systems (SIAL), the diversification of rural activities, and the Oxides for Spintronics S pintronics is a new class of nanoscale electronics that uses not only the charge, but also the spin of electrons in electronic devices, and which has many applications, such as for information storage devices. Controlling the spin of the electron by magnetic fields or by spin transfer torque means getting a higher data processing speed and lower power consumption than with the chips of conventional semiconductor electronics. With regard to this, this project has the objective to develop a prototype of a novel spintronic device (probably a sensor), 36 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: for new potential applications and also to improve some of those already in existence. The project also develops new synthesis routes and characterization methodologies of thin films and nanoparticles based on diluted magnetic oxides using sputtering, spray-pyrolisis and chemical methods. The scientific and technical results of this project will be promoted through scientific publications in international journals and presentations at international congresses. In order to provide legal protection, the patents and inventions will be registered. Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, Chihuahua, México. Partners Countries: Partners: • Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. • Ingeniería en Diseños Electrónicos y Automatización, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico. • Fundación para el Desarrollo de las Telecomunicaciones (Fundetel), Madrid, Spain. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. • CINVESTAV, I.P.N, Querétaro, Mexico • Instituto de Magnetismo Aplicado, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. • LNCMI, Université de Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France. MX$12.550.000,00/€782.682,45 Electronics, MX$8.875.000,00/€553.490,58 materials and 22 months metrology research 21 José Andrés Matutes Aquino, PhD Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados Tel. +52 (614) 4391104 [email protected] Basic research on advanced innovative nanomaterials: applications for the solution to neurological disorders applies the drug, the drug does not have any difficulty in crossing the blood brain barrier with the nanostructured reservoir. Hence, the potential of this mechanism is to have efficient dosage release of therapeutic drugs which is entirely safe and does not cause side effects. Therefore, this project seeks to create high-tech nanotherapy with greater efficiency, accessible to all socioeconomic strata, which allows substantial savings for the Health Sector of the countries involved. Project Coordinator: Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico. 37 Partners Countries: Partners: • Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del I.P.N., Mérida, Mexico. • Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Electroquímica, Querétaro, Mexico. • Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico City, Mexico. • Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales Centro Mixto (CSIC-US), Sevilla, Spain. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Centro de Química-Física Molecular, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal. • Facultad de Química, Universidad del País Vasco, the Basque Country, Spain. • Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l’environnement de Lyon France. • Université degli studi di Parma, Italy. • Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajío, Guanajuato, Mexico. MX$28.200.000,00/€1.758.696,82 MX$15.953.849,00/€994.963,95 22 months 24 Tessy María López Goerne, PhD Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana [email protected] Electronics, materials and metrology research Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T he purpose of this project is to find solutions to neurodegenerative diseases (such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s), and localised tumours grade III and IV, through the design, development and optimization of a nanostructured reservoir that is biocompatible with brain tissue. This will be implanted by means of a minimally-invasive stereotactic surgery and its function is to release neurological drugs in the target site of the brain for a period of one year. Unlike traditional medicine, which systemically Creation of a new Mex-EU network of excellence for materials with industrial applications T he goal of this project is the creation of a scientific network for materials with industrial applications. Our purpose is to exchange knowledge between research groups in Mexico and the European Union, and organize projects for bio-materials, photonic materials and functional materials in general. One of the main objectives is to design biomaterials focussed on the design and transportation of drugs, as well as specific biological markers. The Mexican groups are experts in optical materials (characterization of materials with nonlinear optical properties, photoconductivity, photo-luminescence and electro-luminescence), synthesis of organic molecules, and synthesis of biomolecules (peptides). This network will generate communication opportunities for connecting scientific partners and contributing to increased research activity in materials science. 38 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: CINVESTAV, I.P.N., Mexico City, Mexico Partners Countries: Partners: • Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica AC, Guanajuato, Mexico. • Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, Spain • Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain. • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico. • Veneto Nanotech, Padua, Italy. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$2.120.000,00/€132.214,09 MX$1.484.000,00/€92.549,86 22 months 10 Eusebio Juaristi Cosio, PhD CINVESTAV Tel.: +52 (55) 57473722 [email protected] Electronics, materials and metrology research Community conservation (CONSERVCOM): the role of local participation in biodiversity Conservation. case studies from the southeast of Mexico elements that contribute to the current debate regarding public, community and private models for the protection of natural areas as conservation strategies. We hope that results from the project will provide knowledge which contributes to the formation of public policies for management of protected natural areas. We also hope to present these results at regional and local levels, in order to provide useful tools aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation initiatives. Project Coordinator: Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Veracruz, Mexico 39 Partners Countries: Partners: • Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Mexico. • Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain. • Centre for Biocultural Diversity, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, United Kingdom. • Global Diversity Foundation, United Kingdom. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas, UNAM, Michoacán, Mexico. • Centro de Investigaciones Tropicales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico. MX$7.404.120,00/€461.758,95 MX$4.744.400,00/€295.885,15 22 months 19 Luciana Porter Bolland, PhD Instituto de Ecología Tel. +52 (228) 8421800 [email protected] Environmental and climate research; including earth observation Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T hrough the establishment of an international interdisciplinary consortium, the Conservcom project has the objective of conducting research in order to identify risks and opportunities of different strategies for biodiversity conservation that vary in the levels in which local people participate regarding management and decisionmaking. Research is being conducted in natural settings throughout Southeast Mexico in areas that differ in conservation strategies. We aim to derive theoretical Field and instrumental observations and experimental surveys applied to volcanic disaster Prevention: development of new instruments and methods for studying volcanic activity T he aim of this project is greater understanding of volcanic eruptions in order to predict them. To do so, instrument and methodology development are combined by means of field work, laboratory experiments and monitoring data on active volcanoes. Once eruption patterns have been identified, it will be possible to make appropriate decisions in the event of a volcanic eruption. A consortium of scientific institutions and volcanic observatories will be created in order to achieve these 40 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: objectives. This will work jointly to relate results from active volcano monitoring with processes simulated in the laboratory by experimenting with natural volcanic samples under controlled conditions. In this way, both the accuracy of volcanic monitoring and the correlation of geophysical data will be improved, resulting in a more efficient evaluation of volcanic dangers and risks that will increase the quality of protection given to society. Instituto de Geofísica, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Universidad de Colima, Mexico. • Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Germany. • Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Palermo and Rome, Italy. • Chalmers Tekniska Hoegskola AB, Gothenburg, Sweden. • Ludwig-Maximilian Universität Munich, Germany. MX$14.693.813,00/€916.381,64 MX$10.280.773,00/€641.161,80 22 months 32 Hugo Delgado Granados, PhD Instituto de Geofísica Tel. +52 (55) 56224119 [email protected] Environmental and climate research; including earth observation Theoretical chemistry network for environment and health of compounds with an antioxidant effect. Studies in the network will also include free radicals (highly-reactive atoms that provoke chain reactions and destroy cells), chemical changes in the DNA and their mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, as well as their effects on ageing. The above will be achieved thanks to the cooperation of participants from Mexico and the EU and the transfer and exchange of information in areas of common interest. Project Coordinator: Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico 41 Partners Countries: Partners: • Universidad de Islas Baleares, Spain. • Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA), France. • Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Granada, Spain. • Università della Calabria, Cosenza, Italy. • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: MX$3.756.000,00/€234.243,45 MX$1.500.000,00/€93.547,70 21 months 16 Professor Annik Vivier Jegoux Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Tels. +52 (55) 58044965 & 58044675 [email protected] Environmental and climate research; including earth observation Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T he aim of this scientific network is to suggest new methodologies for studying atmospheric pollution and oxidative stress phenomena in biological organisms. These new methodologies will allow us to calculate data for thermodynamic, kinetic and chemical reaction mechanisms, which will be used to model air quality. Moreover, this information will allow us to evaluate the polluting effect of new industrial compounds, which will have a bearing on the design Bioprocesses and control for water treatment, BITA T he objective of this network is to find solutions for the problems of contamination of water resources by means of the optimal application of biological wastewater treatment processes. The optimization of these processes will be focussed on the search for new and better biological techniques as well as the application of modelling, monitoring and automatic control techniques. The BITA Academic & Research Network was 42 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: created in order to achieve these objectives. This network acts as a mechanism for collaboration on technical and scientific projects between the institutions participating in the consortium. The BITA Network will allow us to gather and bring together the knowledge and experience of the leading institutions in this area. Similarly, it will establish mechanisms for exchange and collaboration to train human resources in this area. Universidad de Guadalajara, México Partners Countries: Partners: • Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique. (Laboratoire de Biotecnologie de l’Environement LBE-INRA), Narbonne, France. • Instituto Potosino de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnológica AC, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Instituto de Ingeniería, UNAM, Querétaro, Mexico. • Université Catholique de Louvain (Centre d’Ingénierie des Systèmes d’Automatique et de Mécanique. Appliquée, CESAME-UCL), Leuven, Belgium. MX$1.585.260,00/€98.864,95 MX$1.109.682,00/€69.205,47 21 months Environmental and 15 climate research; including earth Víctor Alcaraz González, PhD observation Universidad de Guadalajara Tel. +52 (33) 13785900 [email protected] Research network for sustainable management of land ecosystems the conditions required to improve the participation of Mexican institutions in the research, technological development and innovation programs offered by both the European Union and CONACYT. Thus, the consortium will become a leading network at national and international levels, as a result of the impact of the research, as well as the quality of the results, highlevel training of personnel, and the transfer of knowledge, technology, innovation, products and services to the societies of both regions. Project Coordinator: Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Mexico 43 Partners Countries: Partners: • Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico • Instituto Tecnológico de El Salto, Durango, Mexico • Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Mexico City, Mexico • Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain • Universidad de Oviedo, Spain Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Stiftung Oeffentlichen Rechts, Göttingen, Germany • Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Portugal • Universidad de León, Spain MX$2.279.528,00/€142.163,07 MX$1.595.670,00/€99.514,18 23 months 32 José Javier Corral Rivas, PhD Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango Tel. +52 (618) 1301096 [email protected] Environmental and climate research; including earth observation Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T his consortium has the goal of strengthening the scientific and technological capabilities of the participating Mexican research groups in order to improve their competitiveness, regarding aspects related to sustainable management of land ecosystems. In order to achieve this objective, a cooperative research network among Mexican and European institutions has been created. Its purpose is to provide solutions to national environmental problems and to promote the creative capacity of the network members. The creation of this consortium will provide Comprehensive treatment of complex wastewater products from the oil industry D ue to the worldwide problem of complex effluent pollution (waste water) in the oil industry, this project has the objective of creating a comprehensive treatment for eliminating compounds that typically contain carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur from these effluents. To do so, a multidisciplinary international network will be created, consisting of expert researchers. Employing a biochemical, physiological and microbiological approach, these will design a pilot plant for treatment of wastewater, taking into account aspects 44 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: of design, control and reactor operation. The network aims to resolve the same problem with different approaches, as well as to coordinate the training of highlevel human resources under codirection schemes and to exchange information and knowledge on the fields of study. Albeit to a lesser extent, the Mexican groups shall also provide valuable experience on specific subjects and human resources. In order to disseminate the information generated, a workshop open to the public will be held on the removal of nutrients. CINVESTAV-IPN., Mexico City, Mexico Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Institutito Potosino de Investigación Científica. y Tecnología A.C., Mexico. • Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain. • Universidad de Valladolid, Spain. • University of Wageningen, The Netherlands. • Universidade do Minho, Portugal. MX$2.412.593,00/€150.461,69 MX$1.565.093,00/€97.607,24 22 months 16 Frédéric Thalasso, PhD CINVESTAV Tel.: +52 (55) 57473320 [email protected] Environmental and climate research; including earth observation Europe-Mexico consortium for the development of quantum information and communication technologies markets. In order to attain these goals, this project will undertake an ample study on the generation, detection and transmission of non-classical light, and on derived applications. The consortium will also study the storage of quantum information in memories built from atomic systems and the use of quantum entanglement between atoms and photons. The intellectual property derived from this project will be safeguarded by international patents, and the results obtained will be published in high-impact journals and presented at scientific conferences. Project Coordinator: Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Mexico City, Mexico 45 Partners Countries: Partners: • CINVESTAV, I.P.N., Guadalajara, Mexico. • Centro de Investigacion Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. • Centro Nacional de Metrología, Querétaro, Mexico. • Servicios Condumex, Mexico City, Mexico. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Iusacell PCS de México, Mexico City, Mexico. • Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Crete, Greece. • Clarendon Laboratory, Oxford University, United Kingdom. • Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico. MX$22.857.117,00/€1.425.487,20 MX$16.000.000,00/€997.842,17 22 months 36 Alfred Barry U Ren Cortes, PhD Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, UNAM Tel. +52 (55) 56224672 [email protected] Information society technologies Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T his project aims to develop technology which may permit the practical implementation of quantum information processing and transmission protocols, utilizing the laws of quantum mechanics in the area of communications and informatics. The knowledge and expertise developed in the consortium will be made available to participating Mexican companies, which will be able to position themselves as leaders in the transmission and processing of information as they become more competitive in national and international Dynamic probabilistic graphical models and their applications T he main objective of the project is to develop new methods for construction, inference and explanation of Dynamic Probabilistic Graphical Models (DPGM), which will be incorporated into software tools, in order to apply them in solving four problems that are highly relevant in Medicine: costeffectiveness analysis of the vaccine against human papillomavirus; rehabilitation of people who have suffered a stroke; 46 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: prognosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, and selection of combinations of HIV drugs. We also seek to apply these models to solve complex problems in industry, such as the operation of power plants, considering safety, efficiency and environmental impact, and training of operators through an intelligent assistant. The results will be disseminated in journals, magazines and at conferences. Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica Óptica y Electrónica, Puebla, Mexico. Partners Countries: Partners: • Agencia Laín Entralgo, Madrid, Spain. • Atos Origin, Madrid, Spain. • Instituto de Investigaciones Eléctricas, Morelos, Mexico. • Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico City, Mexico. Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Probayes, France. • Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands. • Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain. • University of Dundee, United Kingdom. MX$15.564.497,00/€970.681,96 MX$9.561.270,00/€596.289,90 22 months 43 Luis Enrique Sucar Succar, PhD Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica Óptica y Electrónica Tel. +52 (222) 2663100 [email protected] Information society technologies Image analysis for controlling autonomous robots vision and control algorithms, whilst the Universidad Complutense de Madrid is testing stereoscopic analysis techniques for the autonomous movement of robots in open spaces. The algorithms produced shall be placed in public domain libraries. Implementations in software and hardware shall be documented in detail in order to extend real benefits to the entire scientific community. The results of the research will allow the use of low-cost components and will contribute to the training of human resources, as well as robotics and computer vision research at public universities. It is hoped that the Mexican network partners will forge links with car and vehicle manufacturing companies, among others. Project Coordinator: Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico 47 Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. • Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. • Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico. MX$2.150.000,00/€134.085,04 MX$1.500.000,00/€93.547,70 22 months 15 Juan Humberto Sossa Azuela, PhD Instituto Politécnico Nacional Tel. +52 (55) 57296000 [email protected] Information society technologies Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T he challenge of this network is to build wheeled service robots which are capable of detecting obstacles (cars or pedestrians, among others) based to a large extent on the use of images obtained from cameras placed on the vehicle. In order to achieve this, the network will develop image analysis algorithms for processing those acquired in sudden turns or fast trajectories. The Freie Universität Berlin, Universidad de Madrid and Universidad de Guadalajara have already developed humanoid robots that have video cameras installed in the head section, which rotate horizontally and vertically to cover their environment. Moreover, the CIC-IPN possesses several mobile robots and a robot manipulator for testing new Processing, properties and characteristics of steels for electrical uses I n order to improve the processing conditions of steels used in the electrical sector, this project established a consortium of Mexican and European Institutions to study the effect that processing variables exert (from melting to the product delivered to the end user). Whilst mechanical properties are of paramount importance in steels produced to fulfil structural demands, properties such as the reduction of magnetic losses or ease of magnetisation are preponderant in the manufacture of electrical steels. This has led to an interest in analysing the effects that magnetic properties and the geometry of the steel sheet exert on electrical 48 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology Project Coordinator: equipment. This is done by reviewing the effect that impurities present in the material to be melted (specifically when scrap is used); the content of interstitial elements and the process used to eliminate them; the effect of the heating cycle and the hot rolling schedule; the cooling process and the waiting time before pickling and after cold rolling, as well as the cold rolling schedules, including the annealing stages. The above affects the improvements that can be made in electrical motors and transformers that are made taking into account the effect that environmental conditions exert on oxidation, to optimize electrical isolation between steel sheets. Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany. • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico. • Universiteit Gent, Belgium. • Consultores en Conformado y Procesos de Manufactura, Nuevo León, Mexico. • Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain. MX$22.102.513,00/€1.378.426,22 MX$15.471.759,00/€964.898,34 22 months Industrial and 16 manufacturing Rafael Colas Ortiz, PhD technologies Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León Tel. +52 (81) 83294020 MERGEFIELD “Telefono” [email protected] Research, development and implementation of a prototype product line of centrifugal split case pumps for clear liquids handling an innovative hydraulic and mechanical design, new material engineering and a modern manufacturing design, which will reduce manufacturing costs by at least 10%. The project will create 6-8 prototypes that can easily be scaled up to a full line of 46 split case centrifugal pumps. In addition to these advantages, the project will allow the creation of new sources of work as well as the training of highly-specialized human resources. Project Coordinator: Ruhrpumpen, Nuevo León, Mexico Partners Countries: Partners: Total Cost: FONCICYT Contribution: Time Frame: Employees: Contact: • Centro de Tecnología Avanzada (CIATEQ), Querétaro, Mexico • Dr. Kraemer Engineering, Halle, Germany • Envita Doo, Ljubljana, Slovenia • Lake Flow, United Kingdom MX$16.771.006,00/€1.045.926,06 MX$11.736.000,00/€731.917,23 22 months 34 Guillermo Bortoni Elizondo, Eng Industrial and Ruhrpumpen manufacturing Tel. +52 (81) 81585500 technologies [email protected] 49 Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology T his project is developing a new line consisting of 46 split case centrifugal pumps that, unlike other existing lines in the market, will provide higher energy efficiency and a more compact and economical design. The benefits that this new line will provide to users are: lower energy consumption levels, less raw material usage, sturdiness of the shaft, better lubrication system, less vibration and easier manufacturability. In order to achieve this, the new product line presents FONCICYT STAFF Programme Director Leonardo Ríos Guerrero Technical Department Leopoldo Vilchis Ramírez Administrative Department Rafael Pando Cerón Technical Management Group María de los Ángeles de los Ríos Corte Hernando López Quezada José Emmanuel García Estrada Claudia Hernández Galíndez Enrique Navarrete Rojas Administrative Management Group Soledad Ramos Penin Rafael Aguilar Herrera Elio Vázquez Colín Zurisadai Vásquez Gómez Jorge Luna Rodríguez Mario Almazán Rodríguez Oscar Reyes Pérez Public Image Adeline Coquard Katia León Monterrubio «This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. Its content is the exclusive responsibility of the Fund for International Cooperation in Science and Technology between Mexico and the European Union (FONCICYT) and under no circumstances may it be considered to reflect the point of view of the latter.» The FONCICYT catalogue was printed in September 2010 in Mexico City. 1000 copies were printed. Editor-in-chief: Hernando López Quezada Editing Coordinators: Katia León Monterrubio and Adeline Coquard Contributors: José Emmanuel García Estrada Claudia Hernández Galíndez Enrique Navarrete Rojas Humberto Acosta Salinas Publishing Design: MERCOM Consulores Translation: David Bevis FONCICYT Catalogue