UNAM signs agreement to strengthen capabilities against natural phenomena; will share seismic and hydroacoustic information

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has signed a collaboration agreement with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) aimed at enhancing capabilities to respond to natural phenomena. This partnership will facilitate the sharing of seismic and hydroacoustic information, train young scientists, and promote joint research projects.

Under the new agreement, Mexico's National Seismological Service will share data from auxiliary stations in Yucatán, Oaxaca, and Baja California Sur with the CTBTO. This collaboration will also grant UNAM access to primary data from the CTBTO, significantly strengthening national capacities for monitoring, prevention, and early warning systems, particularly for tsunamis.

María Soledad Funes Argüello, coordinator of Scientific Research at UNAM, highlighted the university's commitment to building futures, including peace. She stated that the agreement will enable the use of auxiliary seismic and hydroacoustic data from the International Monitoring System for early tsunami alerts, thereby improving the understanding of natural phenomena and contributing to public safety.

William Lee Alardín, coordinator of International Relations and Affairs, emphasized UNAM's dedication to principles such as freedom of thought, equality, and the use of reason to resolve differences. He noted that the university's participation with the CTBTO aligns with its commitment to contributing to peaceful conflict resolution and prevention.

The agreement also touches upon the CTBTO's 30-year mission to prevent nuclear test explosions worldwide, a goal UNAM shares. The collaboration underscores a mutual interest in scientific advancement for both disaster preparedness and global security.