On May 16th, 2025, the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) School of Medicine opened its doors to the vibrant world of medical research during its annual Research Day—a dynamic academic gathering dedicated to showcasing the intellectual energy and scientific inquiry that define UAG’s medical community.
Held in the Upper Floor Auditorium of the School of Medicine, this year’s event embraced the theme:
“Research Day is not just a date. It’s a celebration of science in action.”
Over the course of the morning, students, professors, and invited researchers engaged in an inspiring program that reflected the diversity and depth of current medical investigations being carried out within the institution and in collaboration with national partners.
Keynote Insights from Leaders in Science
Following the opening remarks by Dr. Kashif Adil Ahmad, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Dr. Lucía Álvarez-Palazuelos, Director of the Research Department, the audience was treated to two compelling keynote presentations by distinguished women scientists whose careers bridge medicine, research, and advocacy.
Dr. Adriana González Martínez, Director of Research at the Instituto Cardiovascular de Mínima Invasión and Salvando Latidos A.C., delivered an impactful talk titled “Research Isn’t a Straight Line: What They Don’t Tell You.” Drawing from personal experience and fieldwork, Dr. González highlighted the nonlinear nature of scientific discovery, the value of failure, and the importance of perseverance in research careers.
Dr. Patricia Anaid Romero García, Clinical Research Coordinator at UESO Columna and educator at the Universidad de Guadalajara, presented “From Observation to Publication: Listen, Write, Research, Repeat.” Her session focused on the clinical research process—from patient encounter to peer-reviewed publication—and emphasized how methodical inquiry and ethical responsibility intersect in medical innovation.
Together, their insights served as a reminder that science is not just driven by data, but by determination, curiosity, and the desire to serve others.
Student Research at the Forefront
A major highlight of the day was the poster presentation session, where over 40 projects were exhibited by UAG students and young investigators. Topics ranged from cutting-edge treatments to public health disparities, offering a window into the real-world impact of academic research at UAG.
Notable areas of focus included:
3D-printed cranial implants and advances in biomaterials for reconstructive surgery
Gene therapy applications for chronic conditions like Type 1 diabetes
Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Comparative studies of stillbirth causes and psychological outcomes across global income divides
Emerging neurological research, including Alzheimer’s disease, neurotoxicity from chemotherapy, and vascular parkinsonism
Innovative strategies for kidney disease treatment and spinal cord regeneration
The variety and scientific quality of the posters reflected UAG’s ongoing commitment to integrative, evidence-based medical education and to the development of students as scholars and contributors to the broader healthcare landscape.
The Event concluded with the announcement of the top three research poster winners:
The event concluded with the announcement of the top three research poster winners:
🏅 1st Place
The Role of MicroRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Focus on Vascular Dementias
Dabiri S, Santiago AO, Minjarez BM, Gandara RE, Tobias AP
🥈 2nd Place
3D Printing for Cranial Bone Implants: A Review of Biomaterials, Fabrication Methods, and Clinical Applications
Gomez A, Rivera-Torres A, Ortiz-Veguilla A, Sinohui J, Vera-Rodriguez RA, Nieves-Lozano S
🥉 3rd Place
Small Molecule Inhibitor, Antisense Oligonucleotides, and JAK/STAT Pathway Inhibitors as a Therapeutic Approach for APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
Rodriguez-Cruz Z, Aquino-Dávila JC, Ruiz-Diaz JA, Rivera-Rivera PM, Cartagena-Toledo ASdC, Molina-Ortiz AM
Building a Culture of Inquiry
UAG Research Day 2025 served not only as a platform to share knowledge, but also as a catalyst for networking, mentorship, and interdisciplinary exchange. Faculty members, guest researchers, and students engaged in lively discussions about methodologies, future studies, and research translation into clinical practice.
Events like Research Day reinforce the institution’s core values: scientific excellence, academic integrity, social responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge that heals and transforms.
As UAG continues to invest in its research infrastructure and international collaborations, the School of Medicine reaffirms its role as a leader in shaping future medical professionals who think critically, work collaboratively, and innovate with purpose.
To learn more about academic and research programs at UAG School of Medicine, visit: uag.edu/research-day