Mexico is seeking to strengthen its ties with thousands of researchers who have developed their academic careers outside the country through a new program aimed at turning the scientific diaspora into a strategic ally for higher education, research, and national technological development.
President Claudia Sheinbaum presented the Mexican Diaspora Chairs program, an initiative aimed at Mexican researchers living abroad that seeks to maintain and strengthen their academic, scientific, and professional ties with Mexico.
The program will allow specialists residing in other countries to participate in research activities, student training, and academic collaboration with Mexican institutions, while also becoming part of the National Researchers’ System (SNII).
“We are inviting Mexican researchers who studied abroad, or who studied here and for some reason continued to live outside the country. We want many of them to reconnect with the country,” Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference.
The President explained that the initiative seeks to take advantage of the knowledge and experience accumulated by Mexican scientists working in international universities, laboratories, and research centers, without necessarily requiring them to return permanently to Mexico.
“Perhaps not to return to Mexico, but from wherever they live they can teach remotely, train students, and be part of academia in Mexico. They can remain connected to institutions of higher education and maintain a link with our country,” she added.
Minister of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez said the program is part of a broader strategy to strengthen international cooperation in science, humanities, and technological development.
According to Ruiz, the initiative recognizes the talent, experience, and commitment of the Mexican scientific community abroad, as well as the emotional, intellectual, and professional ties it maintains with Mexico.
As part of the benefits, selected participants will be recognized within the National System of Researchers and will receive an annual mobility grant of 45,000 pesos (2,600 USD) to carry out academic activities in Mexico.
Deputy Minister of Science and Humanities Violeta Vázquez-Rojas Maldonado explained that researchers holding a doctoral degree and maintaining ties to scientific or humanities projects related to Mexico will be eligible to apply.
Applicants must also submit a host letter issued by an institution of higher education or research center in Mexico and complete their registration through the Rizoma platform.
The official call for applications will be published on June 5, while applications will be accepted from June 26 through July 24.
Evaluations will take place between July 27 and August 27, and results will be announced beginning September 14. The program is scheduled to officially begin in January 2027.
Authorities said the initiative aims to build a permanent collaboration network between Mexico and researchers developing their careers abroad, while also strengthening the training of new generations of scientists and specialists.
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