ENCB, Focused on Environmental Challenges

Andrés Chavarría

Scientific research leading to the development of products such as Transferon, indelible ink, and the AstraZeneca vaccine to protect against COVID-19 are just some contributions that scientists from the Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), including our General Director, Arturo Reyes Sandoval, have made to Mexican society and the rest of the world. Now, it's time to address the environmental issues that threaten life on the planet, stated the Director of ENCB, Isaac Juan Luna Romero.

It's been 90 years since the creation of ENCB. Could you tell us how the school was established?

Isaac Luna: The ENCB, as I mentioned in my speech, had its beginnings with a proposal from professors of the National Preparatory School, who were led by Vicente Lombardo Toledano at that time, to create a school that would be called the School of Bacteriology. The ones who finalized the formation of what is now our alma mater were Dr. Leopoldo Ancona, the first director of ENCB, and Professor Diódoro Antúnez.

From what date can we start counting these 90 years?

R: The school began its activities on January 28, 1934. It's worth noting that it started at the Gabino Barreda University and later transformed into the Obrera University in 1935, with a more social profile. When General Lázaro Cárdenas del Río created the Instituto Politécnico Nacional by decree in 1936, two years later, Obrera University moved its facilities to Santo Tomas, and that's when it took on the name Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas.

Could you share with us what this celebration means to you?

R: For me, 90 years of history is a pride because it highlights the contribution that our school has made to Mexico by providing highly qualified professionals to solve a series of issues in the chemical and biological fields.

What new projects are in the pipeline that will likely have an impact on society, not only in Mexico but also internationally?

R: Well, perhaps the most interesting projects would be those related to improving the environment. We know that as a society, we are immersed in a series of problems associated with ocean pollution, river pollution, and soil pollution that require immediate attention to prevent health risks.

Finally, regarding the school's infrastructure, are improvements expected?

R: Currently, we are working on improvements precisely in the school's infrastructure, with great support from the central area, because ultimately we depend a lot on them to improve a series of situations, both in terms of classrooms and laboratories and research facilities.

Gaceta Politécnica #1776. (February 15th, 2024). IPN Imagen Institucional: Read the full magazine in Spanish here.