Held at the Arts Two Building on Mile End Campus, this landmark event brought together leading minds from both institutions to celebrate and advance the growing partnership between the UK and Mexico.
The symposium aimed to showcase the cutting-edge research conducted by students supported through the Queen Mary-IPN partnership. It also sought to strengthen the bonds of collaboration between the partner institutions and inspire future generations of Mexican researchers to pursue postgraduate studies at Queen Mary.
"This symposium is a testament to the strong, and deepening, relationship between Queen Mary University of London and our esteemed Mexican partners," said Professor Colin Bailey, President and Principal. "We are committed to fostering an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive and contribute to global research."
The event featured a robust programme, beginning on the morning of August 19th and concluding in the early afternoon on the 20th. There were more than 200 attendees, with a mix of student presenters and audience members from Queen Mary and IPN, and senior representatives from both institutions.
Dr Arturo Reyes Sandoval, Rector of IPN commented on the significance of this event for the broader academic community: "IPN and Queen Mary's partnership is possible because of our shared mission to provide education to those enthusiastic to learn, no matter their background. Our shared vision of social benefit through research and education unities us and the work presented by researchers at this event inspires us."
The symposium featured a series of presentations by over 40 students from both QMUL and IPN, showcasing their research across a range of disciplines. Projects presented covered health-focused topics, including antimicrobial resistance, engineering topics including solutions to climate emergency and even tortilla making machine technology. In addition to the presentations, the event offered ample opportunities for networking and discussions on future collaborations.
Lic. Jesús Padilla, President of the Polytechnic Foundation, commented: "Through the First International Polytechnic Student Symposium in the UK students have had the opportunity to present their projects to international audiences; such opportunities allow for memorable life experiences and opportunities to learn from other nations and cultures. As a Polytechnic Foundation we are proud of this great partnership with Queen Mary for the IPN and excited for the future."
Dr Philippa Lloyd, Vice-Principal Policy & Strategic Partnerships and Professor Teresa Alonso, Associate Vice-Principal, Strategic Partnerships, who have led the programme said: "We are very grateful to all the staff and students who have supported and delivered this programme, and we are absolutely delighted to work with our partners IPN and The Polytechnic Foundation."
