University of California President Janet Napolitano and Mexican Secretariat of Energy (SENER) Deputy Secretary of Energy Leonardo Beltrán today (Oct. 30) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
The MOU focuses on developing collaborations and exchanges in fields of shared interest and expertise between Mexico and UC. It is part of a broader UC-Mexico initiative Napolitano launched in January to strengthen ties between the university and Mexico.
“I’m very pleased that we can take this important step with SENER to promote academic exchange and research between UC and Mexico,” Napolitano said. “This is just the beginning of a collaboration that will benefit California and Mexico, and produce research and ideas that impact the world.”
The signing took place during part of a multi-day visit to the Berkeley Lab that includes a delegation of the heads of various Mexican research centers, led by Beltrán.
“Within the framework of President Peña Nieto’s energy reform, SENER is committed to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage and sustainability projects in Mexico,” Beltrán said. “The deepening collaboration and projects we are developing between Mexico and California will contribute to the much-needed efforts against climate change. The ultimate goal is that Mexico and California work together in these areas that are needed to secure a more sustainable future and a long-lasting regional economic development.”
The group will tour various parts of the lab including the Advanced Light Source and the FLEXLAB, the first test lab of its kind in the world. FLEXLAB allows users to develop and test efficient building systems individually or as an integrated system all at once, under real-world conditions.
“Berkeley Lab is proud to be the site for the signing of this historic MOU. Now is the right time for California to work on these issues of common interest with Mexico as they focus on their energy sector,” said Berkeley Lab Deputy Director Horst Simon. “I'm looking forward to seeing more collaboration between UC and SENER that will further our mutual research efforts and continue our tradition of bringing science solutions to the world.”
UC Riverside Chancellor Kim Wilcox participated in the signing ceremony and meetings during the two-day visit.
The Berkeley Lab, SENER and the UC Institute for Mexico and the United States (UC MEXUS), based at UC Riverside, also announced a program to support training stays for Mexican postdoctoral research fellows at the Berkeley lab and UC campuses.
The purpose of the postdoctoral stays will be to accomplish specific laboratory, library or field research or to undertake specialized training. The first three postdocs chosen as part of the program will begin work at the Berkeley Lab in January 2015.