AUSTIN, Texas—Scientists and engineers at The University of Texas at Austin and at Mexican research institutions will collaborate in nanotechnology and materials research with the formation of the International Center for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (ICNAM).
The initial steps for the creation of the center were taken during the visit to Austin by Mexico President Vicente Fox in late 2003 and the signing of a letter of intent between Larry R. Faulkner, president of the university, and Jaime Parada, director of the National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT). The center’s governing board holds its first meeting this week in Austin to chart future research programs.
“The creation of the institute is well aligned with President Faulkner’s Latin America initiative and it offers The University of Texas at Austin the opportunity for close collaboration in nanotechnology with several centers of excellence in Mexico,” said Juan M. Sanchez, vice president for research at the university.
The center will organize workshops in nanotechnology and materials science, create networks of researchers and promote the participation of industry in Texas and Mexico.
It also will provide training courses on new techniques available within the facilities of The University of Texas at Austin, particularly those of the Texas Materials Institute.
“We have much to offer each other,” said Miguel Jose Yacaman, professor of Materials Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, who will head the center. “Our collaborations will have the potential to create cross-border commercial enterprises.”
The Mexican institutions involved include the Center on Advance Materials (CIMAV) and CONACYT.
Representing the Mexican researchers on the board are Jesús Gonzáles, director of CIMAV; Gerardo Contreras, professor of physics at the Politechnic Institute of Mexico; Alipio Calles, professor in the department of physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico; and Humberton Terrones, head of the Advanced Materials Department at the Institute for Scientific and Technological Research of San Luis Potosí.
Representing The University of Texas at Austin are Desiderio Kovar, associate professor of mechanical engineering; Alex De Lozanne, professor of physics; Isaac Sánchez, professor of chemical engineering; and Allen Bard, professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
This program will help The University of Texas at Austin reinforce programs to promote science and engineering among the Hispanic population in Texas. Many of the Latin American scientists involved in the institute will participate in outreach educational programs aimed at K-12 students of Hispanic background.
For more information contact: Tim Green, 512-475-6596.
