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Queen’s has partnered with the Embassy of Mexico in Canada to establish the Mexico-Canada Research and Learning Hub, aimed at fostering closer ties among Mexican and Canadian researchers, academics, and students. The hub will facilitate connections, encourage collaboration, and continue the momentum of several ongoing research and academic connections between the countries. 

The hub’s launch coincides with the 80th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between Mexico and Canada. Ambassador of Mexico to Canada Carlos Joaquín González and Vice-Provost (Global Engagement) Sandra den Otter formalized the initiative at a signing ceremony on Apr. 1, 2025, attended by Queen’s leaders, faculty, staff, students, embassy representatives, and notable guests, including Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) President Alejandro Adem, Queen’s Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans, and Vice-Principal (Research) Nancy Ross.

“The Mexico-Canada Research and Learning Hub will enable academics in Canadian universities to establish and enhance relationships while collaborating across borders to improve teaching, research, and knowledge mobilization in both nations,” says Vice-Provost den Otter. “Queen’s already has strong research ties with Mexico and this initiative will allow researchers to deepen these collaborations. On behalf of Queen’s, I extend my gratitude to Ambassador González and his team for their support in this partnership, which will enrich how we work to address our shared opportunities and challenges, especially during times of geo-political uncertainty.”

Hosted by Queen’s, the hub will serve as a virtual platform for academic collaboration, encouraging new and expanded research and educational initiatives across disciplines. It will facilitate knowledge sharing through diverse activities, including collaborative research, research funding applications, lecture series, webinars, networking events, cooperative projects, and student engagement initiatives.

Since 2021, Queen’s researchers have worked with collaborators across 59 institutions in Mexico, co-authoring nearly 200 publications across a range of fields, such as medicine, physics, and engineering. Currently, ten researchers from Queen’s are conducting research in Mexico, including chemical engineering professor Carlos Escobedo, who was honoured by the Embassy of Mexico in Canada with a Distinguished Mexican Abroad Award in 2024.

“This new hub represents the natural evolution of a rich history of collaborations and connections between professors, researchers, and students at Queen’s and in Mexico,” says Escobedo, who is serving as co-academic lead of the hub. “It is a wonderful demonstration of friendship and mutual commitment, and I look forward to what those involved are able to accomplish together.”

Learn more about the Mexico-Canada Research and Learning Hub and how it aligns with Queen’s Global Engagement Strategic Plan 2023-2028.