Mexico: From simple and centralised to expansion, diversity and complexity

Abstract

The roots of public communication of science (PCS) in Mexico may be traced back to the early days of science in the 17th century. However, as in other parts of the world, the modern era of PCS in Mexico started in the 1960s, and was basically concentrated in the urban area of Mexico City. There were four main pillars for the development of science communication during those early years: UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico), CONACyT (National Council for Science and Technology), AMC (Mexican Academy for Science) and SOMEDICyT (Mexican Society for the Communication of Science and Technology). Today, various PCS products and activities are dispersed throughout Mexico in different formats, media and spaces. Many institutions and persons with different profiles are involved: state and private universities; the various state councils for science and technology; and government and NGO agencies, private companies, science journalists as well as freelance science communicators. Other activities related to the field are research, evaluation, professional training, management, administration and commercialisation. This chapter tells the story of those early years of PCS and how such projects have evolved.