ICOMTA 2023 took place at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), whose roots date back to the 16th century, serving as a cornerstone for higher education and scientific research in the region, and holding a prominent position among the public universities in the country.
What is now Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla is the result of a long history that traces back to May 9, 1578, when a group of Jesuit priests established their residence in Puebla. At the explicit request of the city council, they founded the Seminary of the Society of Jesus of San Jerónimo. Nine years later, they erected a college aimed at the education of the new Novohispanic generations. The institution was founded through a deed dated April 15, 1587, with the name Colegio del Espíritu Santo. Around 1670, the construction of the building we now know as Carolino began. Although it was completed well into the 18th century, additional modifications were made in the 19th century, and the south and east facades were altered in the early 20th century.
Since its foundation, the Colegio del Espíritu Santo has been a focal point for humanism and science in the central-eastern region of the then New Spain. Political conflicts in Spain, with the ascent of the House of Bourbon to the Spanish throne and its confrontation with the Society of Jesus, had repercussions on the Colegio del Espíritu Santo. On June 25, 1767, the Jesuits were expelled from the Spanish domains by King Carlos III. Sixty-one Jesuit religious figures left the college in exile. After the expulsion, all the colleges directed by the Jesuits merged into one, named the Royal Colegio Carolino in honor of Carlos III, from which the current name of the former Colegio del Espíritu Santo building is derived.
The State Congress granted the title of ‘Benemérita’ on April 2, 1987, and today it ranks among the best universities in the country.
In 1820, just a year before the culmination of Mexico’s Independence, the Jesuits returned to Puebla and their college, which they renamed as the Royal College of the Holy Spirit, of San Jerónimo, and San Ignacio of the Society of Jesus. However, its existence was ephemeral, as it opened its doors on October 2, and the Jesuits were once again expelled from the country on December 22. After the independence was achieved, the Regency of the Empire authorized the reestablishment of the institution under the name of the Imperial College of San Ignacio, San Jerónimo, and Holy Spirit. The fall of the Empire and the establishment of the Republic brought about significant changes to the College. In 1825, the local Congress transformed it into the College of the State, giving it a public, secular, and free character
Botanic Garden
At the dawn of the Revolution, the students of the College of the State were not indifferent to the political concerns and democratic ideals championed by Francisco I. Madero. Alongside the social and political struggles of the time, the students of the College of the State demanded its transformation into a university with full autonomy, undertaking movements in favor of such a claim in 1917, 1923, and 1932.
Both the transformation of the College and autonomy were demands taken up by conservative groups. In this historical context, the governor of the state of Puebla, General Maximino Ávila Camacho, announced on February 1, 1937, the transformation of the College into a University. On April 14 of that year, the State Congress decreed the creation of the University. On April 23, the Organic Law of the University of Puebla was issued. For two decades, the University remained under government direction; however, when in 1951 the then-governor Rafael Ávila Camacho attempted to militarize it, the autonomy claim resurfaced, turning into a student movement that gained strength in 1956. At that time, within the University, there was a confrontation between two political currents inspired by antagonistic ideologies: conservatives, relying on fierce anti-communism, and liberals, with whom an increasing number of professors identified, advocating for the development of sciences and research. Both groups presented their autonomy proposals. The unity of authorities, teachers, and students led the state government to send a bill to the local congress granting autonomy to this House of Studies, and on November 23, the Official Gazette of the State of Puebla published the Law of the Autonomous University of Puebla.
The 1960s were a difficult period for the University due to conflicts between groups with opposing ideologies and political projects. Despite these turbulences, in January 1968, it was built on land in the ejido of San Baltasar Campeche, south of the city of Puebla. In the following decade, a model of a Critical, Democratic, and Popular University was imposed, strengthening scientific research and linking with the most needy sectors of society. Likewise, there was a development of university extension work and the dissemination of culture that linked teaching with a response to social needs.
The trajectory of the Autonomous University of Puebla and its presence in the development of science and culture in the state of Puebla earned the recognition of the State Congress, which granted it the title of ‘Benemérita’ on April 2, 1987, and today it ranks among the best universities in the country.
The BUAP today
The Autonomous Benemérita University of Puebla is a nationally recognized public and autonomous institution committed to the comprehensive education of critical and reflective professionals and citizens at the levels of upper secondary education, higher education, and postgraduate studies. Our graduates are capable of generating, adapting, recreating, innovating, and applying knowledge of quality and social relevance.
The University promotes research, creation, and the dissemination of knowledge, advocates for inclusion, equal opportunities, and engagement. As a knowledge community, it contributes to the development of art, culture, and the resolution of economic, environmental, social, and political issues in the region and the country. This is done under a policy of transparency and accountability, guided by ethical principles, sustainable development, the defense of human rights, tolerance, and honesty. Our aim is to contribute to the creation of a proactive, productive, just, and secure society
ICOMTA'26 