Challenges of nanomedical research in Mexico
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Abstract
Purpose: To identify the challenges faced by nanomedicine in Mexico, according to the opinion of experts in the field.
Methodological design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Mexican researchers in the field of nanomedicine. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were both online and face-to-face. The information was processed with ATLAS.ti software.
Results: Challenges were identified in different areas: financing, social benefit, human resources, infrastructure, nanotoxicology, patenting, preclinical and clinical research, academia-industry linkage, regulation, scientific policy and multidisciplinary work.
Research limitations: Interviews included researchers only. It would be necessary to interview other agents involved in the nanomedicine chain of value, such as entrepreneurs and health sector managers.
Findings: The main challenges facing nanomedical research in Mexico are the following: reduced funding, research with little impact on society, lack of specific educational programs in nanomedicine, low patenting activity, weak links between academia and industry, and lack of regulation. Some proposals to address these challenges are analyzed in this paper.
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