The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is seeking an increase in its budget for areas such as research, science, and technology. These areas are considered a priority by the current federal administration, but obstacles have been encountered in the office of María Elena Álvarez-Buylla. Despite her conciliatory approach, Rosaura Ruiz, who competed for the rectorship of UNAM against Leonardo Lomelí, is promoting a reform in the institution aimed at strengthening its academic and institutional structures.
Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas, the current rector of UNAM, has expressed the need to transform and reinforce the university to face current and future challenges. In this regard, an Advisory Council for the Coordination of Institutional Reform and University Prospective has been created to lead the process of democratic transformation in the institution.
Lomelí Vanegas has blamed Conahcyt for the budget cuts that have affected public universities, especially in the context of the so-called 4T. There is growing concern in the university community regarding the budget allocated for 2025, which has generated confusion in the UNAM Governing Board.
Despite budgetary challenges, actions are being taken to reform and strengthen UNAM. However, recently, protests and demands from students have occurred, such as the roadblock carried out by masked students from Preparatoria 2 "Erasmo Castellanos Quinto." These students demanded the installation of a government-subsidized cafeteria.
The university community hopes their demands will be addressed and that strengthening UNAM in key areas such as research and teaching will be prioritized. Despite current challenges, Rector Lomelí and his team are committed to transforming the university to adapt to present demands and contribute to solving societal problems in general.
