Organization
Active Working Groups
Future Working Groups
Additional Information

Binational Working Groups provide a space to discuss emerging challenges and design research programs that can offer innovative solutions. Each group is focused on a core topic in the US-Mexico relationship, and by convening experts on related issues, they allow participants to showcase projects and identify knowledge gaps through direct engagement among academic researchers and non-academic stakeholders.

 

The main objective of each Binational Working Group is to develop research proposals that can be submitted for potential funding support from Alianza MX and/or extramural funding sources. These proposals should include well-defined objectives, timelines, and deliverables aimed at addressing strategic issues effectively.

 

Organization

The organization of each Binational Working Group is designed to promote a diversity of perspectives, to foster unique opportunities for engagement, and to strengthen the links between academic institutions and the broader communities they serve. These linkages are essential for advancing a research agenda that can successfully leverage participants’ expertise, knowledge, and skills to tackle opportunities and challenges collaboratively.

Participants

UC participants—including faculty, students, and administrators from multiple campuses—are eligible to apply for funding support from Alianza MX.

Faculty, students, and leadership from Mexican partner institutions bring diverse perspectives and local expertise.

Federal, state, and local authorities are key audiences for collaborative research and offer unique perspectives on emerging binational challenges.

Private sector firms, chambers of commerce, and industry associations play a significant role in shaping the bilateral relationship and the potential for research collaboration.

Organizations and individuals with experience in community and grassroots organizing provide a sharp lens for seeing the potential of research to benefit society at large.

Local UC alumni provide a wealth of resources, knowledge, and connections that support collaborative research and stakeholder engagement.

Activities

The Alianza MX Strategic Initiatives Engagement Coordinator will coordinate the activities of working groups to ensure alignment with group goals, share information, monitor progress, and report on key developments. Alianza MX will also maintain online platforms for document sharing, communication, and project management.

Each working group will select two co-chairs, preferably one academic researcher and one non-academic stakeholder, with a strong understanding of the US-Mexico relationship and core issues under discussion.

Under the guidance of the leadership, each working group may elect to establish subcommittees that focus on specific or critical issues within the bilateral agenda.

Each working group will maintain its own calendar, with a goal of meeting virtually at least three times per year to share insights and develop research proposals. Requests from the leadership for support of in-person and hybrid meetings (including at Casa de California) will be reviewed by Alianza MX on a case-by-case basis.

Active Working Groups

Zero-Emission Vehicles

This group supports the zero-emissions transition of the binational automotive industry in three main areas: light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and public transport in cities. Prior to 2024, Alianza MX supported a US-Mexico High-Level Task Force for Zero-Emission Vehicles that had primarily focused on policy engagement.

Read more

Register Concept Note

Energy

This group supports the transition to cleaner, more efficient, and more secure energy systems in the US and Mexico through research on critical minerals, extreme heat, and renewable energies.

Register Coming Soon

Concept Note

Migration

This group supports greater binational understanding of migration between Mexico and the United States through research in culture, economics, law, and politics.

Register coming soon

Concept Note Coming Soon

Future Working Groups

Biodiversity

This group will support research on critical challenges such as ecosystem resilience, transboundary conservation, endangered species recovery, and traditional ecological knowledge.

Concept Note Coming Soon

Economy

This group will support research on economic integration between Mexico and the United States, including cross-border trade and investment flows and international and regional trade agreements.

Concept Note Coming Soon

Oceans

This group will support deeper understanding of the ocean as an essential shared resource, the integrity of marine ecosystems, and strategies to promote resilience and conservation.
Concept Note

Additional Information

For more information about Binational Working Groups, please contact jail.cruzgarcia@ucr.edu.

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