Tec de Monterrey and The University of Texas at Austin have announced the launch of the OriGen Health Research Center (OHRC). This new research center aims to utilize Latin America’s largest biobank, advanced machine learning tools, and a team of experts from both universities to enhance health outcomes for millions across the Americas, including around 65 million Latinos in the United States.
The OHRC will focus on chronic diseases prevalent in Latino populations, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. These conditions occur more frequently in Latino communities, but there is limited understanding of the genetic factors that may contribute to these trends.
Experts from UT’s College of Natural Sciences, Dell Medical School, and College of Pharmacy will collaborate with Tec de Monterrey’s Institute for Obesity Research and Center for Early Childhood. They will engage in projects using Tec’s extensive oriGen biobank containing genetic, clinical, and epidemiological data. The research teams will employ artificial intelligence technologies for large-scale data analyses to develop predictive models aimed at improving precision medicine treatments.
“It is an exciting time to bring both of our universities together to save and improve lives and foster the exchange of knowledge,” stated Andreas Matouschek, interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. “By joining efforts and perspectives, the two institutions will promote scientific innovation and help solve major health and economic problems affecting people across the Americas.”
Faculty members specializing in genetics, obesity, computer science, human development, and AI will work collaboratively to better understand various diseases affecting Latino populations. This research aims to inform prevention and intervention strategies using personalized approaches to address health challenges effectively.
“With a strong focus on research, education and active engagement with the Latino community, OriGen Health Research Center will ensure that the proposed solutions are practical and accessible,” said Guillermo Torre-Amione, rector of TecSalud at Tec de Monterrey. “They will take into account the cultural and social reality of individuals to offer solutions that impact people’s lives.”
Initial projects at OHRC include an AI-based study identifying where dangerous fats accumulate most in Latino bodies linked to genetic factors associated with ethnicity; an initiative examining psychological stress effects on Latinos through biomarkers and clinical data; and efforts developing family interventions aimed at improving lifestyle and weight management among adolescents.
An event announcing this collaboration was attended by key figures including Torre-Amione; Matouschek; David Garza, president of Tecnológico de Monterrey; David Vanden Bout, UT’s interim provost; Sonia Feigenbaum, UT’s senior vice provost for global engagement; and Ignacio de la Vega, Tec’s vice president of global affairs.