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Research and innovation

Policy background

EU-Mexico relations have developed in a large number of policy areas, especially since the entry into force of the EU-Mexico Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement (Global Agreement), which came into force in 2000. The Global Agreement established regular political dialogue between the European Union and Mexico. 

The 2008 Strategic Association further strengthened bilateral relations. The Strategic Association comprises establishes 4 thematic areas: politics, security, the environment and socioeconomic matters.

Science and Technology Agreements and Arrangements

The EU has had a Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement with Mexico since 2005. The implementation of the agreement is steered and monitored by the EC-Mexico Joint Science and Technology cooperation committee which provides a structure for dialogue on research policies and areas for potential cooperation.

In 2015 the Mexican National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) signed an Implementing Arrangement with the European Commission to enable CONACYT Research Fellows and CONACYT Post-Doctoral Fellows to pursue research collaboration with research teams led by European Research Council (ERC) grant holders.

Areas of Cooperation

The 10th meeting of the EU-Mexico Joint Science and Technology Committee took place on 30 September 2020. The meeting marked the 5-year renewal of the EU-Mexico Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which, since 2005, has played a key role for enhancing dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.

It was agreed to strengthen research and innovation capacities in

  • marine research
  • health (including Covid-19)
  • renewable energies
  • sustainable cities
  • human capital development

Cooperation and funding opportunities

In line with the EU Global Approach, Horizon Europe is fully open to the participation of Mexican researchers and research organisations.

In principle*, the EU does not provide funding for the participation of Mexican research entities in collaborative research projects, however Mexico has put in place a co-funding mechanism to facilitate cooperation in Horizon Europe. It has a budget of €1 million to co-fund ca. 8 projects in the areas of health, energy, and human security.

Mexican researchers may of course also participate in Horizon Europe with other funding.

*In exceptional cases, the Commission or the relevant funding body may consider that the participation of a legal entity is essential for implementing the action (Article 23.2(b) of the Horizon Europe Regulation)

In addition, Mexican entities are eligible for EU funding through the European Research Council and Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions.

European Research Council

The European Research Council offers grants to researchers in all research domains for frontier research. Mexican researchers are welcome to apply and if selected are eligible for funding to establish a research group in Europe. Grants are available for researchers starting or consolidating their independent career and for advanced researchers. Synergy grants are also available, where a group of 2-4 Principal Investigators (PIs) may include one PI outside the EU or countries associated to Horizon Europe, to tackle together an ambitious research problem, with all funded by the ERC.

The European Commission has also signed an Implementing Arrangement with CONACYT to enable CONACYT funded researchers to spend some time in a European Research Council funded group in Europe.

Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions

Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions offer fellowships for post-doctoral researchers from Mexico (and other countries) to spend up to 2 years in a European group – or for European researchers to spend up to 2 years in a Mexican lab. Also offers opportunities for Mexican institutions to participate in Doctoral Networks and Staff Exchange consortia (Canadian institutions are self-funded in Doctoral Networks and Staff Exchange).

Projects and results

EU-funded research projects involving Mexico

You can also visit the Horizon Dashboard, which is a one-stop shop for data and statistics on the EU Research and Innovation Programmes – from FP1 to Horizon Europe. 

Contact

National Contact Points

The National Contact Points (NCPs) provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe.

Research enquiry service

You can contact the research enquiry service to find out more about research in Europe, the EU's research and innovation funding programmes as well as calls for proposals and project funding.

European Commission

RTD-F-DIR-ASSISTatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (DG Research and Innovation International Cooperation Directorate)

EURAXESS LAC

Euraxess LAC provides access to a complete range of information and support services for researchers in Latin American and Caribbean countries wishing to pursue a research career in Europe or looking for collaboration opportunities through Horizon Europe.

Documents

  • 23 NOVEMBER 2018
Roadmap for EU-Mexico science and technology cooperation

  • 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
Joint communique of the10th meeting of the EU-Mexico steering committee of the Bilateral Agreement on Science and Technology

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