© GLACIER
On 1 August 2024, GLACIER co-PI Dr. Felix Drexler delivered a keynote speech at the DAAD 2024 alumni meeting “Europe, Mexico, and the Region – New Common Paths.” DAAD organized this meeting for former DAAD scholarship holders, including European partners, and the European Union. The primary goal of the event was to foster and strengthen the partnership between Europe, Mexico, and Central America by focusing on the initiative of the European Commission “Global Gateway” and its five strategic areas: the digital sector, climate and energy, transport, health, and education and research.
In this light the 20th anniversary of the commonly organized study-fair EUROPOSGRADOS and 20 years of ERASMUS Mundus provided an excellent framework to reflect on years of successful
collaboration and explore new avenues for future cooperation.
Through panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, the event sought to provide a platform for DAAD-alumni and partners to share insights, discuss innovative solutions, and forge stronger connections. Additionally, the recent attainment of the PACA status (Pillar assessment contribution agreement) by DAAD was highlighted, emphasizing its importance and the new opportunities it brings and looking for future project ideas that will contribute to the benefits of Europe, Mexico, and the neighboring Central American countries.
Dr. Ana Elena Escalante, also a GLACIER co-PI, attended the meeting and afterwards joined Dr. Drexler in carrying out visits in order to extend collaboration in Mexico and foster collaborations for the study of the relationship between biodiversity and zoonotic disease risk.
© GLACIER
From left to right: Dr. Susana Magallón, director of the Institute of Biology, UNAM; Dr. Mariana Munguía, representative from the National Comission for Biodoversity (CONABIO); Dr. Carlos Ibarra, researcher from the CINVESTAV center, Mérida; Dr. José Sarukhán, UNAM former Rector; Dr. Felix Drexler, researcher from Charité Universitätzmedizin-Berlin and GLACIER co-PI; Dr. Ana E. Escalante, director of the Institute of Ecology, UNAM, and GLACIER co-PI.