In 2001 the University established the program “Reconocimiento al Merito Académico”, (Academic Merit Award) to encourage   and acknowledge the  research work carried out by  Professor –Researchers.

Full time Professors,  “Asociados, Titular , de base “ with a minimum  seniority  of three uninterrupted years in the institution at the moment of beginning the process.

Evaluation indicatorsto grant the merit:

Academic Quality

o   Academic Degree

o   Research stays in national an international institutions

Quality in Human Resources Training

o   Undergraduates, masters and doctorate Thesis Advisor

o   Summer Research Advisor

o    

Quality in knowledge generation and application.

o   Participation in scientific meetings

o   Divulgingmagazines.

o   Publications in Scientific books or chapters.

o   Prototype development, innovations, technological transference or patent.

o   Granted prestigious awards in research.

o   Participation in research projects with institutional or external financing

o   Arbitration

Knowledge Areas in which they are applied correspond to:

Area I,- Physics, Mathematics and Earth Sciences

Area II.- Biology and Chemestry

Area III. Health Sciences

Area IV.- Humanities and  Behavior Sciences

Area V.- Social and Economics Sciences

Area VI.- Biotechnology and Agriculture Sciences.

Area VII.- Engineering Sciences.

Each area receives a first place award a bonus, a “centenario” (an old coin made out of Gold which was used as currency )  is granted to the  Professor Researcher who obtains the higher punctuation.

Until today 65 awards have been granted to Professor Researchers from nine different Faculties.