Mexico

Political framework for bilateral cooperation in education and research

Cooperation with Mexico is based on the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in Science and Technology (S&T) which was concluded on 6 February 1974. It lies within the competency of the Mexican foreign ministry (SRE). In addition to the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in science and technology, the BMBF has concluded two special contracts with Mexican institutions: one relating to research and development projects for the utilization of solar energy, signed on 2 May 1978, and one regarding environmentally friendly production methods, concluded on 10 February 1982. The National Council for Science and Technology, CONACYT, coordinates and finances S&T cooperation on behalf of the foreign ministry. The key areas of cooperation are determined by a mixed commission, whose last meeting took place in Mexico City in October 2003. The commission's next meeting will be held in Berlin from 6 to 8 August 2007.

Key areas of cooperation

At the mixed commission's last meeting in 2003, a concept for the intensification of cooperation in five priority areas was agreed upon: environmental research and technology, biotechnology, information technology, marine and Antarctic research, and geosciences. High priority is given to application-oriented research with the participation of industry partners. The aims are to lastingly improve the living conditions in the region and to open up new markets for German companies.

The collaboration has developed continuously. As agreed in 2003, two bilateral workshops were held with the support of the International Bureau of the BMBF - one on the subject of marine research in Bremerhaven in June 2004, and one on the subject of information technologies in Berlin in March 2005. A further workshop on the subject of geosciences took place in Querétaro in November 2004 thanks to the support of the German Research Association. A Mexican delegation paid a visit to Germany in October 2006 in order to explore the cooperation potential in the areas of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies.

Cooperation highlights

The German-Mexican-American research expedition on the German research vessel "Meteor" in March/April 2006 was a highlight of the collaboration. The aim of the expedition was to research asphalt volcanism in the Gulf of Mexico. A Mexican scientist who works in the oil industry was also involved in the mission.

Funding for collaborations

In addition to the International Bureau's mobility projects for the areas of biotechnology, information technology, environment research, marine research, materials research and health research, the BMBF is currently supporting a project to develop local solutions for water supply and wastewater disposal in Greater Guadalajara as part of the funding priority "Megacities of Tomorrow". German and Mexican partners from science and local authorities collaborate in this project.