The Drylands Research Institute (IIZD)

The Institute for Drylands Research was established on June 4, 1954, by Dr. Jerzy Rzedowski Rotter during the Rectorship of Dr. Manuel Nava Martínez. Its original mission was to develop studies on renewable natural resources (biota, water, and soil) of the dry temperate zones of the state of San Luis Potosi (highlands). However, research and linkages are currently conducted in all regions of the state, Mexico and the world.

Based on the validity of that original mission and according to the current purpose of the UASLP (Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi) of broadening the coverage of its substantive functions throughout the state, the present mission of the IIZD is to generate research for the knowledge, rational use, and conservation of renewable natural resources of the state of San Luis Potosi and Mexico. That is, the basic and applied study of the ecosystems of the rural and natural environments of the state. The IIZD is a socially responsible entity of the UASLP, with a regional and national presence, which participates in the educational quality offering of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The IIZD also has a vision of sustainability, flexibility, and resilience to the changes and transformation of the territory.

Our activities include developing of research and projects linked with society and the supervision and elaboration of undergraduate and graduate theses. This research is articulated through the Lines of Generation and Application of Knowledge (LGAC) of the IIZD, which are the main instrument for complete our mission.

Research areas

• Biodiversity and biocultural heritage. Develops knowledge on biodiversity and biocultural heritage of natural and managed ecosystems, particularly in San Luis Potosi and Mexico, to understand the processes, patterns, and products -biological and cultural, derived from the interactions between human groups, the abiotic environment, and biotic communities.
• Ecology for the management of biotic and abiotic resources in natural and humanized environments. The objective is to study, analyze and understand, with an inter- and multidisciplinary perspective, the patterns and processes that occur in natural and transformed ecosystems.
• Technological development and characterization of renewable natural resources. Its objective is to efficiently characterize renewable natural resources through innovative technological processes for their sustainable use.
• Identification and evaluation of bioactive compounds in food, health and environment. This line aims to generate strategies for the use and conservation of renewable natural resources with therapeutic and functional potential that contribute to the generation of phytopharmaceuticals, additives, and new materials for food use.
• Animal and plant production systems. Generates agroecological knowledge aimed at developing capacities and strategies to promote sustainable animal and plant production systems that will increase the agricultural sector's competitiveness, safety, and resilience.