The University of California, San Diego announces the inauguration of an office and full-time staff member located in Mexico City. Part of the new "UCSD Partnership with Mexico," created by UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox, the UCSD representative is charged with deepening understanding and identifying new opportunities for cooperation with organizations and individuals throughout the country.
Three other major initiatives, all designed to improve the quality of life for citizens of the United States and Mexico, were also presented by Chancellor Fox during three days of meetings with government and academic leaders:
. Improving air quality in both nations by focusing on the Baja-San Diego region;
. Building a technology corridor on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border; and
. Improving prospects for all members of Mexican society through innovative economic policies.
In unveiling the new program Chancellor Fox said, "This partnership with Mexico represents vital collaboration, interdisciplinary excellence, and innovations that will benefit all of our citizens. Our national initiatives bring together leaders from education, business, government, non-profit organizations and civil society to address issues that deeply affect our health and welfare."
The initiatives were first discussed last November in Tijuana during a day-long visit by Chancellor Fox which included meetings with academic, business, political and cultural leaders. Current meetings with national leaders, including Gustavo Chapela, director of the National Council on Science and Technology, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, rector of National Autonomous University and heads of the other major Mexico City universities have the purpose of deepening perspectives on cooperation.

"These partnerships respond to the challenge outlined by Chancellor Fox in her inaugural address calling for strengthening our international agenda," said Peter Cowhey, dean of the UCSD Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies. "To realize this vision, we have proposed ambitious goals, but they are all within reach, because we will draw upon the efforts of world-class researchers and scholars from throughout UCSD, working closely with truly exceptional counterparts in the academic, government, non-profit and business sectors of Mexico."
Changing the quality of life by improving air quality
The first partnership program will build on the success of an air-quality research effort underway in Mexico City, headed by Mario Molina, a UCSD professor of chemistry and biochemistry, who received the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Molina's research has led to new insights into how major cities around the world can mitigate their air pollution problems.
New technology corridor in Baja/San Diego border region

Already in place is UCSD Extension's "Crossborder Innovation and Competitiveness Initiative," dedicated to exploring how the Baja California-San Diego region can become more globally competitive in key science and technology sectors. UCSD Extension is developing a proposal for a $20 million program combining "hands-on" support for business activities with advanced research and non-degree executive education. This initiative should strengthen the biotech industry in San Diego by building complementary assets such as production facilities in Baja.
Improving economic prospects for Mexico

A consensus has developed among Mexican policymakers that only by restructuring the economy can the country increase its global competitiveness and prospects for all citizens. The "Economic Strategies" project will begin with a high-profile international conference that will examine Mexico's financial infrastructure and will take on such tasks as identifying barriers to entrepreneurship and several other elements of our partner nation's economy. UCSD researchers will act as facilitators for discussions with Mexican leaders, who will then form conclusions and make decisions on new policies.

"Economic restructuring in Mexico can have a profoundly beneficial effect on the American economy as well," said Christopher Woodruff, an economist and director of UCSD's Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies.
A group of advisors for the UCSD-Mexico Partnership has also been announced. Named "Founders," the group has already contributed sufficient funds for required initial budgets. First members of the Founders include prominent academic and business leaders Aaron Feldman, John Moores and Richard Atkinson.

For more information on the partnership contact Judith Ecklund, Director of External Relations for IRPS, at jecklund@ucsd.edu or Ana Aguerra, aaguera@ucsd.edu