“IPN, One of the World’s Leading Institutes of Education”: Tim Elliott

Reporter: Cecilia Balderas / Photographer: Israel Vera

The Director of the Center for Immuno-Oncology at the University of Oxford shares how the IPN is viewed abroad

Tim Elliott, Director of the Center for Immuno-Oncology at the University of Oxford, expressed his admiration for the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), particularly for the facilities and state-of-the-art equipment available to students at the Center for Nanosciences and Micro- and Nanotechnologies.

“I love it! I just toured the Nanotechnology Center, and there is no other place in the world where I’ve been able to walk from a histopathology lab—very familiar to me—to a cleanroom where computer chips are manufactured. It is truly phenomenal: electron microscopy, light microscopy, everything less than 10 meters apart. It’s an absolutely impressive facility,” Elliott noted.

During his visit to the IPN, in which he delivered a keynote lecture on colorectal cancer and the ongoing collaboration between the IPN, Oxford’s Center for Immuno-Oncology, and the Hospital General de México “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,” Elliott explained that the next phase of the joint research will involve increasing the number of patient samples and integrating findings from all participating institutions, including nutritional, lifestyle, biological, and socioeconomic factors.

They also plan to develop new research programs and outline upcoming funding strategies.

How the IPN Is Viewed Abroad

After meeting with the IPN’s Director General, Arturo Reyes Sandoval, and members of his leadership team, Tim Elliott spoke with Gaceta Politécnica.

Question: How is the IPN perceived internationally? What impression does the institution leave abroad?

Tim Elliott: The IPN is regarded as one of the world’s leading technological institutes of higher education.

I believe the flow of knowledge between the IPN and major centers such as Oxford—and also MIT and Georgia Tech—is essential to ensuring that cutting-edge technologies reach the global community and that we maintain a worldwide network of highly skilled technicians and active researchers.

Question: Based on your experience, what do you see as the Institute’s main strengths?

Tim Elliott: There are many. I am particularly impressed by the recent investment in nanotechnology, especially nanofabrication.

It is a visionary investment, especially considering Mexico’s geographic position and the shifting geopolitical landscape.

The research and technological capacity required to keep nanofabrication at the forefront is truly remarkable here at the IPN.

Interesting fact

The IPN and the University of Oxford are conducting joint research on colorectal cancer. The project is now moving into a stage that will significantly increase the number of patient samples and integrate discoveries from both institutions.

Question: In your opinion, what should the IPN focus on to strengthen its international standing?

Tim Elliott: My advice for the IPN? Who am I to advise the IPN?

I would say: maintain global collaboration. Our experience working with the IPN has been extremely positive, and I would recommend this level of collaboration anywhere in the world.

Working together is the only way we will advance cancer diagnostics and treatments that are globally relevant. So yes—keep expanding the global collaboration network. And I should add: this is only possible when an institution is operating at an international level. That alone is a true testament to the quality of research at the IPN.

Choosing Medical Research

Providing students with the best tools for an outstanding education is one of the core missions of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, and the medical field is no exception—making international, high-level collaboration essential.

Before leaving, Tim Elliott shared a message for students interested in pursuing medical research:

“Medical research is truly, truly important. Medically trained individuals have the unique privilege of accessing patients, understanding disease from a systemic perspective, and applying that insight to very specific scientific questions. I would encourage any medical student interested in research to get involved at every opportunity: internships, placements in research labs during undergraduate studies, and considering intercalated master’s programs as part of their medical training.”