U.S.-Mexico Binational Center for Environmental Sciences and Toxicology

The U.S.-Mexico Binational Center for Environmental Sciences and Toxicology (Binational Center) at the University of Arizona (UA) is an emerging Center dedicated to promoting stakeholder outreach and information exchange. The primary objectives of the Center are to address risk assessment and remediation issues concerning hazardous chemicals along the border via a cooperative approach. Specific activities include the creation of innovative remediation technologies, assistance to Mexican professionals via fellowships, production of on-line educational materials in Spanish, organization of training workshops for professionals, implementation of low-cost technology field sites, and the promotion of Arizona-Sonora border community meetings. The Center utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, meshing health with environmental sciences and engineering to address border contamination problems. Expected outcomes include environmental technology transfer, human capital training in environmental health, as well as stakeholder outreach and education along the U.S.-Mexico border region.

Activities which recently occurred include the first community meeting for the Twin Cities of Nogales. This meeting was being planned in collaboration with local governmental officials, nongovernmental organizations, and other groups from both sides of the border. In addition, December 7th - 9th the first professional workshops were organized in conjunction with the University of Sonora. This workshops brought together researchers from 5 of the 10 partnering academic institutions in Mexico and it was attended by approximately 75 students and professionals.

If you would like to obtain more information about the Binational Center please contact Denise Moreno at dmoreno@pharmacy.arizona.edu or Dr. Jim Field at jimfield@email.arizona.edu.