Formal Research Program

This Formal Research Program of the Department of Technological and Industrial Processes has the general purpose of developing theoretical and practical knowledge for understanding and solving problems associated with the use of natural resources and the impact of their use on the environment and the communities involved, particularly in western Mexico.

Its lines of research and objectives are listed below:

1. Energy:

• Developing technology for the conservation and efficient use of energy for productive processes that take place in western Mexico, by implementing approaches ranging from the organization and administration of processes to the building prototypes of efficient, energy-saving equipment.
• Generating applied knowledge and technology to exploit renewable energy in processes that would be both turn a profit and solve specific domestic, productive, rural and urban problems in western Mexico.

2. Food:

• Studying agricultural products from western Mexico that could potentially contain bioactive substances that are currently underused, in order to make more comprehensive use of them.
• Designing and developing functional foods that help to prevent acute and chronic diseases by employing probiotic microorganisms and nutraceutical substances.
• Developing processes to make secondary use of materials that are currently treated as waste in the food industry, for the purpose of boosting economic performance and lowering environmental impact.
• Studying the supply chain of agricultural products from western Mexico, from their origin to their final consumption, and proposing feasible alternatives that can boost their economic potential and reduce their environmental impact.

3. Environment:

• Enhancing our knowledge of the services that ecosystems in the western region of Mexico provide and their relationship with human well-being and health.
•  Developing and applying methodologies that allow for an understanding, quantification, and prevention of cumulative environmental modifications caused by hydrological, urban and energy projects (plans or programs).
• Developing applied knowledge, technology and management tools to avoid, mitigate or compensate for changes in ecosystems and their impacts on vulnerable communities and future generations.

Coordinator
José Orozco González Aréchiga, M.S.
joseoga@iteso.mx

Researchers
Mtro. Javier Esteban Clausen Silva
Mtro. Raúl Arturo García Huerta
Dr. Carlos González Figueredo
Mtro. David Gudiño Ayala
Mtro. Nicolás Hernández Gil
Mtra. Lydia Hernández Rivera
Mtra. María Yolotxóchitl Ramírez García
Dr. Óscar Ariel Rojas Rejón (SNI)
Dr. Raquel Zúñiga Rojas