LIGIA PÉREZ CRUZ CONCLUDES HER SERVICE AT THE AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION

After years of promoting geosciences at UNAM and across developing nations, Ligia Pérez Cruz, a researcher at the Institute of Geophysics, has concluded her second term as International Secretary of the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

As UNAM’s Coordinator of Oceanographic Platforms, Pérez Cruz noted that the AGU brings together 62,000 members from 120 countries, forming the world’s largest Earth and space scientists community. These members collaborate on addressing global challenges and contributing solutions to benefit humanity and the environment.

From 2020 to 2024, Pérez Cruz served on the AGU Board of Directors, where decisions were made regarding programs and projects, as well as fostering new initiatives to support the global community in advancing Earth and space science knowledge. Her role also involved strategic planning, financial management, and ensuring the effective use of resources in alignment with the AGU’s Strategic Plan. She highlighted the importance of the AGU’s 24 international journals, with which UNAM holds agreements, offering opportunities for faculty and students to participate.

Reflecting on her experience, the former president of the Mexican Geophysical Union shared: “It was truly an honor and a challenge. I was responsible for representing an international community, developing and coordinating programs and initiatives, and most importantly, supporting underrepresented scientists from developing nations in Africa and Latin America. One of the major challenges was ensuring their inclusion in all AGU programs and activities, such as inviting reviewers from these regions to contribute to its publications.”