National Autonomous University of Mexico facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
National Autonomous University of Mexico

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Latin: Universitas Mexicana
Former names	National University of Mexico (1910–1929)
Motto	Por mi raza hablará el espíritu
Motto in English	"Through my race shall the spirit speak"
Type	Public research university
Established	22 September 1910
Founder	Justo Sierra and Porfirio Díaz (1910)
Endowment	US$3.0 billion (2023)
Rector	Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas [es]
Academic staff	42,190 (as of 2023[update])
Students	373,340 (2022–2023 academic year[update])
Undergraduates	233,360 (as of 2023[update])
Postgraduates	32,550 (as of 2023[update])
Other students	106,863 (high school) (as of 2023[update])
Location	Mexico City , Mexico 19°19′44″N 99°11′14″W / 19.32889°N 99.18722°W / 19.32889; -99.18722
Campus	Urban, 7.3 km2 (2.8 sq mi), main campus only
Colors	Blue and gold
Nickname	Pumas
Sporting affiliations	41 varsity teams
Mascot	Goyo
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name: Central University City Campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
Type:	Cultural
Criteria:	i, ii, iv
Designated:	2007 (31st session)
Reference #:	1250
Region:	Latin America and the Caribbean

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (known as UNAM) is a huge public research university in Mexico. It has many campuses in Mexico City and other parts of Mexico. It even has locations in nine other countries! UNAM is also home to 34 research centers, 26 museums, and 18 historic places.

A big part of UNAM's main campus in Mexico City, called University City, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous Mexican architects and artists designed and decorated it. This campus hosted the main events of the 1968 Summer Olympics. All Mexican Nobel laureates (people who won Nobel Prizes) have either studied or taught at UNAM. In 2009, the university won the Prince of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities. More than 25% of all scientific papers published by Mexican experts come from UNAM researchers.

UNAM was officially founded on September 22, 1910, by Justo Sierra. It was created as a modern university, different from the older Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico (which was founded in 1551).

The iconic UNAM central library, designed by Juan O'Gorman.

History of UNAM: A Journey Through Time

The National Autonomous University of Mexico was founded on September 22, 1910. Justo Sierra, who was the minister of education at the time, wanted to create a new kind of university. He aimed for a modern, secular (non-religious) university that would bring together different higher education colleges in Mexico City. This new university would help organize education across the country.

The first parts of UNAM included schools for Fine Arts, Business, Political Science, Law, Engineering, Medicine, and a National Preparatory school. The first leader of the university was Joaquin Eguía y Lis.

Interior of the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, a lithograph from 1840.

Justo Sierra, who founded the modern National University of Mexico.

The university faced challenges because of the Mexican Revolution happening at the time. The government also had direct control over what was taught. In 1912, students went on strike for the first time to protest new exam rules. Many law students even left to join a new school.

In 1920, José Vasconcelos became the leader of UNAM. In 1921, he created the university's special symbol, called a coat-of-arms. It shows an eagle and a condor around a map of Latin America. The motto, "The Spirit shall speak for my people," was also created then. Efforts to make the university independent from the government continued. By the mid-1920s, more student strikes happened, leading to UNAM gaining its independence. This meant the university's leader had the final say, not the government.

In the 1930s, UNAM's leader, Manuel Gómez Morín, fought against the government's plan to teach only socialist ideas in universities. He believed in academic freedom. UNAM also helped start another university, the Universidad Iberoamericana, in 1943.

In 1943, decisions were made to move the university from its many buildings in the city center. A new, big campus called University City was planned south of the city. The first building, for the Faculty of Sciences, began construction in 1952. The University Olympic Stadium also opened that same day.

Another big student strike happened in 1966 over exam rules. Students took over the leader's office and forced him to resign. In 1968, students from UNAM and other universities protested against the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. These protests grew into a big student movement. Sadly, during a meeting in September 1968, the army fired on a building, leading to many people being hurt or arrested. This event is known as the Tlatelolco massacre. The university was closed for a while after this.

In the 1970s and 1980s, UNAM opened more campuses in other parts of Mexico. This helped spread education and research. There were smaller student strikes about grades and tuition fees.

The last major student strike at UNAM was from 1999 to 2000. Students closed the campus for almost a year to protest a plan to charge a small fee for those who could afford it. Police ended the strike on February 7, 2000.

In 2009, UNAM received the Prince of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities. The university also started celebrating its 100th anniversary. UNAM has also worked to include minorities in different study areas. In 2016, it started using United Nations programs to support women on all its campuses.

UNAM's Symbols: Seal, Motto, and Mascot

The University Seal: A Symbol of Unity

View of the old School of Science during construction of the main University City campus (1953).

The university's main symbol, or logo, was created by José Vasconcelos in 1920. He believed in bringing together Latin American cultures. The seal shows a Mexican eagle and an Andean condor, like a double-headed eagle. It is supported by images of volcanoes and cacti, which are important to Mexico's history. In the middle of the shield is a map of Latin America, from Mexico all the way to the tip of South America. Around the map, it says: "For my people the spirit shall speak." At the top, a ribbon says "National Autonomous University of Mexico."

The Motto: Speaking for the Spirit

The motto of UNAM, "For my people the spirit shall speak," shows that the university cares about people and their ideas. José Vasconcelos created this famous phrase in 1920. He explained that it means "our people will create a new culture, one that is spiritual and free." He imagined the university's shield with this motto, meaning "we woke up from a long night of oppression."

The Puma Mascot: A Symbol of Sport

On April 20, 1974, a new sports symbol for UNAM was introduced. Manuel Andrade Rodríguez designed it. This symbol was chosen from many ideas and took a lot of work to create.

The sports symbol is a golden puma face. It's shaped like a closed fist. This puma face is placed on a blue triangle with rounded corners. This triangle stands for the three main goals of the university: Education, Research, and sharing Culture.

The puma symbol is used by all of UNAM's sports teams. In 2013, the British newspaper The Guardian even called it one of the most amazing club logos in soccer.

UNAM Campuses: Where Learning Happens

University City: The Main Campus

A general view of University City in Mexico City.

"University City" (or Ciudad Universitaria) is UNAM's main campus. It's located in the southern part of Mexico City. The idea for this central campus came from two architecture students in 1928. Many architects helped design it. The campus includes the Estadio Olímpico Universitario (Olympic Stadium), about 40 schools and institutes, a Cultural Center, a nature reserve, the Central Library, and several museums. It was built in the 1950s on an old lava bed. It's like its own small city within Mexico City, with its own rules and transportation.

In June 2007, UNAM's main campus, University City, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Satellite Campuses: Learning Across Mexico and Beyond

Gardens of the School of Higher Studies, (FES) Aragón campus.

Besides University City, UNAM has several other campuses around Mexico City. These include Acatlán, Aragón, Cuautitlán, Iztacala, and Zaragoza. There are also many campuses in other Mexican cities like Querétaro, Morelia, Mérida, Sisal, Ensenada, Cuernavaca, Temixco, and Leon. These are mainly for research and advanced studies. UNAM's School of Music is in Coyoacán. Its Center of Teaching for Foreigners has a campus in Taxco, which focuses on teaching Spanish and Mexican culture to people from other countries.

UNAM also has schools in the United States and Canada. These schools teach Spanish, English, Mexican culture, and French (in Canada). They are located in San Antonio, Los Angeles, Chicago, Gatineau (Quebec), and Seattle.

The university also runs Centers for Mexican Studies in other countries. These include Beijing (China), Madrid (Spain), San Jose (Costa Rica), London (United Kingdom), Paris (France), and Northridge (California, USA).

Museums and Interesting Buildings

Palacio de Minería: A Historic Engineering Hub

The College of Mining building on Tacuba street in the historic center of Mexico City.

University Museum of Modern Art (MUAC).

The Colonial Palace of Mining is in the historic center of Mexico City. It is cared for by UNAM's School of Engineering, UNAM. This building used to be the School of Engineering. It has three floors and hosts big events like the International Book Expo. It also has old books and exhibitions about mining. It is a beautiful example of Mexican architecture from the 18th century.

Every year, it hosts one of Mexico's biggest book fairs, called the International Book Fair of Palacio de Mineria. This fair is over 40 years old and attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Casa del Lago: A Cultural Spot

The House of the Lake is in Chapultepec Park. It's a place for cultural activities like dancing, theater, and ballet. It's also where university groups meet.

National Biodiversity Pavilion: Exploring Mexico's Nature

Opened in 2021, this museum shows off Mexico's amazing plants and animals. It has many exhibits of local flora and fauna.

Museum of San Ildefonso: Birthplace of Muralism

This museum is known as the starting point of the Mexican muralism art movement. It used to be a famous school. Now, it's a museum with art and history exhibits. You can see many murals painted on its walls by famous artists like José Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera.

Chopo University Museum: Art and Architecture

The Chopo University Museum has unique architecture with large glass panels and two iron towers. These towers were designed by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower! It now hosts temporary art exhibitions.

Museo Experimental El Eco: Modern Art Space

The Museo Experimental El Eco is a special building designed by German artist Mathias Goeritz. It's an example of "Emotional architecture." UNAM bought and renovated the building in 2004. Since 2005, it shows contemporary art and hosts an annual architecture competition.

National Astronomical Observatory: Stargazing in Mexico

The National Astronomical Observatory is located in the Sierra San Pedro Mártir mountains in Baja California. It has been operating since 1970 and has three large telescopes for studying space.

Nobel Prize Winners from UNAM

All three of Mexico's Nobel Prize winners have a connection to UNAM:

• Alfonso García Robles (studied here) - Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982.
• Octavio Paz (studied here) - Won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990.
• Mario Molina (studied here) - Won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995.

Also, eleven UNAM faculty members have been part of groups that won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Famous People from UNAM

Many important people have studied or taught at UNAM.

Noted Faculty (Teachers)

The science museum, UNIVERSUM.

A landscape view at the school.

• Carlos Slim, a famous businessman and one of the richest people in the world.
• Miguel Alcubierre, a theoretical physicist known for the "Alcubierre warp drive" idea.
• Erich Fromm, a philosopher and psychoanalyst.
• Teodoro González de León, a well-known architect.
• Miguel León-Portilla, a historian and expert on the Nahuatl language.
• Rodolfo Neri Vela, the first Mexican astronaut.

Noted Alumni (Graduates)

Square of the Student at the Faculty of Higher Education (FES) Aragón, one of UNAM's campuses in Greater Mexico City.

• World Leaders: Several former Presidents of Mexico, including Adolfo López Mateos, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, and Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Also, Claudia Sheinbaum, the current president-elect of Mexico.
• Politicians: Many senators, governors, and mayors, including Miguel Ángel Mancera (former Mayor of Mexico City).
• Diplomats: People who represent Mexico in other countries, like Rosario Green, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• Artists, Writers, and Humanists:
  • Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo del Toro, famous film directors.
  • Carlos Fuentes and Juan Rulfo, important writers.
  • Octavio Paz, a Nobel Prize-winning poet.
  • Tenoch Huerta, an actor.
• Scientists:
  • Mario Molina, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist.
  • Rodolfo Neri Vela, the first Mexican in space.
• Business People:
  • Carlos Slim, a billionaire businessman.
  • Alfredo Harp Helú, a billionaire businessman and former bank owner.
• Athletes:
  • Hugo Sánchez, a famous Mexican football (soccer) player.
  • Daniel Vargas, a volleyball player who played in the Olympics.

How UNAM is Organized

The School of Medicine.

The School of Architecture.

The School of Chemistry.

UNAM is organized into different "schools" or "colleges" for various subjects like engineering or law. Both undergraduate (first degree) and graduate (master's and PhD) studies are offered. UNAM also runs high schools, called the Escuela Nacional Preparatoria (ENP) and the Colegio de Ciencias y Humanidades (CCH), in Mexico City. With all its students, UNAM has over 324,413 students, making it one of the world's largest universities.

Schools and Colleges: Learning Different Subjects

UNAM has many schools covering different areas of study. Most of these schools offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Some schools, called "national schools," focus mainly on undergraduate studies and practical experience. Examples include the National School of Nursing and Obstetrics and the National School of Social Work.

List of Schools and Institutes

• Schools (offering undergraduate and graduate degrees):
  • Accounting and Administration
  • Architecture
  • Arts and Design
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Music
  • Odontology
  • Philosophy and Letters
  • Political and Social Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Sciences
  • Veterinarian Medicine and Animal Science
• Schools of Higher Studies (FES) (also offering undergraduate and graduate degrees):
  • Acatlán
  • Aragón
  • Cuautitlán
  • Iztacala
  • Zaragoza
• National Schools (mainly undergraduate degrees):
  • National School of Cinematographic Arts
  • National School of Earth Sciences
  • National School of Languages, Linguistics and Translation
  • National School of Nursing and Obstetrics
  • National School of Social Work
  • National Preparatory School (with 9 high schools)
  • National School of High Studies Morelia (in Michoacan)
  • National School of High Studies León (in Guanajuato)
  • National School of High Studies Mérida (in Yucatán)
  • National School of High Studies Juriquilla (in Querétaro)
  • National School 'College of Sciences and Humanities' (with five high schools)

Open University and Distance Education: Flexible Learning

UNAM also has an Open University and Distance Education System (SUAyED). This system offers another way to get an education. Open education programs require you to attend campus sometimes, usually on Saturdays. Distance education programs are completely online. Students, teachers, and classmates communicate through online platforms. About 32,000 UNAM students are in these open or distance programs. SUAyED offers both bachelor's and postgraduate degrees.

Research at UNAM: Discovering New Things

The university's San Pedro Mártir Observatory in Baja California.

Vessel for oceanography research.

UNAM is excellent in many research areas. For example, UNESCO recognized it for producing some of the most important research on Artificial Intelligence in the world. UNAM's robotics teams have also won top places in the international RoboCup competition many times. The university has many of Mexico's best research centers. UNAM is known as one of the most international research universities in Latin America.

Even though Mexico doesn't spend a lot on research, UNAM stands out. It's a university focused on research that can compete with others worldwide in all fields of knowledge. UNAM likely has the most equipment and money for basic research in Mexico. Some studies say it produces over 50% of Mexico's scientific work.

In recent years, UNAM has attracted students and scientists from all over the world. This includes people from Europe, other Latin American countries, India, and the United States. This creates a unique and diverse scientific community.

Scientific research at UNAM is done in colleges, institutes, centers, and schools. It covers many subjects in Latin America. Some important UNAM institutes include the Institute of Astronomy, Institute of Biotechnology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Institute of Ecology, and Institute of Physics.

UNAM's robotics team winning awards in the international Robocup competition.

Research centers often focus on problems important to Mexico and developing countries. For example, the Center for Applied Sciences and Technological Development connects science to real-world issues like optics. The Center for Energy Research does world-class research on alternative energies.

All research centers welcome students from around the world. UNAM also has programs for students within Mexico, offering scientific internships to encourage research in the country.

UNAM installed its first supercomputer, Sirio, in 1991. Since 2013, it has used a supercomputer called Miztli for scientific research.

Students and Faculty: Life at UNAM

Sports, Clubs, and Traditions

Professional Football Club: The Pumas

UNAM's present-day Pumas football team. The team was originally created for alumni.

A view of the University Olympic Stadium.

UNAM has its own professional football (soccer) club called Club Universidad Nacional. They play in Liga MX, which is the top football league in Mexico. The club won two championships in a row in 2004. Their home stadium is the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

College Football Team: Pumas CU

The Pumas CU team represents UNAM in college football. They have been playing since 1927 and are one of the most successful college football teams in Mexico. They have a strong rivalry with the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) team, the "Águilas Blancas" (White Eagles). This is because both are big public universities in the country.

Pumas Volleyball Team

UNAM's volleyball team, also called Pumas, has been very successful both in Mexico and internationally. The coach for Mexico's national volleyball team is from Pumas, and several players on the national team are UNAM students or graduates. They even played in the Olympics in Rio.

Cultural Traditions: Day of the Dead

Every year, UNAM has a tradition of creating a large display of Day of the Dead offerings (called ofrenda) in the main square of University City. Each school builds its own offering. In the center, there is usually a big offering related to the university's celebrations for that year.

Political Activism: Students Making a Difference

UNAM students and professors are known for being very active in politics in Mexico. Most students usually support left-wing political ideas. However, the university has also produced many important right-wing politicians and business people, like former President Carlos Salinas de Gortari and businessman Carlos Slim.

UNAM has always supported minorities, especially women in technology. The engineering school, along with Google, has organized some of the largest "Hackathons" (events where people work together to create computer programs) for Latina women.

Student Associations: Getting Involved

UNAM has many groups for current students and graduates. These groups offer extra activities like cultural events, social gatherings, and scientific discussions. They help make the university experience even richer.

• Fundación UNAM
• Nibiru Sociedad Astronomica
• SAFIR

See also

In Spanish: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México para niños

• DGSCA (General Directorate of Academic Computing Services, UNAM's hub for computer sciences)
• XHUNAM-TV ("Teveunam," UNAM's educational and cultural television channel)
• Mexican Law Review