Dr. William Lee Alardín inaugurated Dr. Luis Alberto Zapata González as Director of the Institute of Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics (IRyA) of the UNAM, Morelia Campus, for a second period corresponding to 2023-2027, following his appointment by UNAM’s Junta de Gobierno.
“I invite you to discuss your projects together and to always have a good work environment,” said Dr. Lee Alardín, Coordinator of Scientific Research at UNAM, during the inauguration. “This Institute has significant worth for its outstanding academic and research work,” commented, pointing out that “the challenge is for it to continue to shine and to increase its value, consolidating the academic excellence of the students with the support of the entire community".
Dr. Lee Alardín added that there must be careful attention when it comes to the training of undergraduate and graduate students, and determining how they can participate in the different programs that are available to the community at IRyA. He also indicated the the University should make an effort to expand its presence through the Institute, in Morelia and other regions of Mexico.
During his speech, Dr. Zapata González reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening the community by listening to the plurality of proposals and maintaining an open-door policy, as the best way to increase academic excellence.
“For me it has been a pleasure to be with you and to grow together,” he said, recalling that the previous period represented a challenge for working as a community, since “the pandemic moved everyone in different directions, and we showed great courage to ahead and organize.”
“Something that has distinguished us is our work together, in publications, outreach, administration, and University participation,” said Dr. Zapata, given that the Institute has developed may of its projects as a community. “The next four years we will strive to maintain academic excellence, the students excellence, and of all the activities carried out by the Institute,” he concluded.
Career of Dr. Luis Alberto Zapata González
He has a degree in Applied Mathematics from the Autonomous University of Coahuila (2001), a Master of Science from UNAM (2003) and a Doctor of Science from this University and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (2006). He has been a researcher at IRyA since 2011.
His research work focuses on the formation of stars and planets in our Galaxy using observations at radio and submillimeter wavelengths. He also studies the origin of life in the Universe detecting complex molecules at submillimeter wavelengths with observatories located in different parts of the world. He is the author of more than 120 research papers with more than 3,800 citations (Google Citation). He also actively and prominently participates in teaching, outreach and dissemination of science.
He has been president of IRyA’s Internal Board, president of the Board of Directors of the UNAM Morelia Campus, member of the Permanent Commission of Academic Staff of the CAACFMI (UNAM), coordinator of the Local Security Commission at IRyA, member of the University Legislation Commission, of the Advisory Council of the Government of the State of Michoacán and of the ad hoc Commission for Awards and Distinctions of the Coordination of Scientific Research of the UNAM.
About IRyA, UNAM
The Instituto de Radioastronomía y Astrofísica (IRyA), or Institute for Radioastronomy and Astrophysics is an academic unit at UNAM, Campus Morelia, Mexico. We perform high-level and high-impact research in the areas of interstellar medium, star formation, evolved stars, high energy astrophysics, Galactic dynamics and structure, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. We contribute to the education of high-level human resources through a postgraduate program, and we have close contact with society through diverse outreach programs.
If you are interested in our Institute, visit the English version of our webpage, www.irya.unam.mx/web/en
Media contact:
Dr. René A. Ortega Minakata
Outreach and Science Communication
IRyA UNAM Campus Morelia
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Text: IRyA UNAM based on the press bulletin published by UNAM’s Dirección General de Comunicación Social (in Spanish).
www.dgcs.unam.mx/boletin/bdboletin/2023_692.html
Video: Dr. Luis Alberto Zapata González’s inauguration as IRyA’s Director for the 2023-2027 period (in Spanish)
https://www.youtube.com/live/x59lgSESZ5I?si=kd6h_-37Qx6Du3bV