Mexico

In Latin America, Mexico is second only to Brazil in leading the research and development (R&D) of nanoechnology, as measured by the number of scientific papers published and the number of patents registered over the period 2000–07. Nanotechnology was identified as a strategic area for Mexico's development in 2002. This was ratified in 2008 in the Special Program on Science and Technology (PECYT) 2008–12 of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONA-CYT). However, the PECYT did not articulate specific ideas on the operationalization of the endeavor, nor on the creation of a national plan.

Despite the lack of a national plan, nanotechnology R&D has been varied, particularly in universities, as well as in research centers, and in the private sector. The country hosts 56 research and teaching centers with approximately 450 researchers working in this area. It has signed several international agreements that have been developed primarily in the form of collaborative agreements, associations, or cooperation between institutions. It is worth mentioning some of the most ambitious projects in Mexico.

[Page 415]The Center of Advanced Research Materials (CI-MAV), located in Chihuahua, inaugurated the National Laboratory of Nanotechnology (NaNoTeCH) in 2008, with the objective of supporting institutions and Mexican enterprises in all aspects related to nanotechnology. This laboratory is to be the heart of the national network of nanotechnology. Also, in partnership with Arizona State University in the United States, the Scientific-Technological Cluster of Nanotechnology in North America was created. In addition, in 2009, CIMAV became the national point of contact for the area of nanotechnology and new materials.

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) runs the University Project for Nanotechnology (PUNTA), created in 2004, grouping more than 30 researchers from eight different centers, mainly in Mexico City. This project focuses on the development of nanostructured materials as catalysts for environmental improvement. Another body is the Research Network Groups on Nanosciences (REGINA), which groups more than 50 researchers in eight centers of UNAM. In March 2008, the Center for Condensed Matter Sciences (CCMC) of UNAM, located in Ensenada, Baja California, became the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Center (CNyN).

The Potosí Scientific and Technological Institute (IPICyT) located in the State of San Luis Potosí, promotes research and training in nanotechnology. A recent development in this institution is the creation of the National Research Laboratory on Nanosciences and Nanotechnology (LINAN). This laboratory has several partners: businesses, universities, and research centers, both national and foreign.

Other research centers and universities doing R&D in nanotechnology include the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL), the University of Guadalajara (UdeG), the Technological Institute of Advanced Studies of Monterrey (ITESM), the Research Center of Applied Chemistry (CIQA), the Mexican Institute of Petroleum (IMP), the Center for Research in Optics (CIO), the National Institute of Nuclear Research (ININ), the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (INNyN), and many others.

Mexico's national laboratories and institutions working with nanotechnology are facing challenges due to the decreasing amount of funding channeled to science and technology (S&T). The portion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) allocated in 2009 is just 0.33 percent, 0.34 percent in 2008, and 0.35 percent in 2007.

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