Mexico

Purpose

The National System of Researchers (SNI) of Mexico is a primarily summative evaluation system for individual researchers, established in 1984 during a period of significant economic and social crisis that contributed to a brain drain. The system was created with the aim of: 

  • Fostering scientific and technological development, as well as strengthening research in all areas, by supporting researchers in higher education institutions and public sector research;
  • Increasing the number and level of full-time researchers;
  • Promoting efficient and high-quality research;
  • Stimulating public sector research in alignment with the priorities set in the National Development Plan (an institutional document prepared by the Government of Mexico that outlines the country’s priority development objectives);
  • Encouraging the formation of research groups across Mexico;
  • Contributing to the development of integrated, discipline-based national scientific and technological information systems.

Year of Introduction
1984

Census period
5-10 years

Governance agency(s)
National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT)

Purpose
Accountability
Funding allocation

Unit of Assessment
Individual researchers


Focus of Assessment
Performance of individuals 

The SNI holds annual calls for applications, and the evaluation of researchers is carried out as follows:

  • Every five years for levels 1 and 2;
  • For level 3, evaluations occur during the first two periods, and then every ten years at that level;
  • Candidates for national researcher status are evaluated every four years and can remain in that category only once;
  • The national researcher emeritus distinction is granted for life.

The SNI influences both funding and reputation, affecting the career progression and professional standing of individual researchers. Researchers within the SNI are eligible for public sector funding.

Governance

The SNI in Mexico is overseen by the government agency Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT). 

Participation in the SNI system is incentivised, as for many researchers working in public institutions, such as universities and research centres, being part of the SNI is often considered an expected or highly encouraged step for career advancement and access to additional funding. Once individuals become SNI researcher, periodic evaluation is a mandatory requirement for all levels except Emeritus.

Operation of the exercise

The focus of the SNI  assessment is on the performance of individuals.

The SNI uses an informed peer review method of assessment. In accordance with SNI regulations, evaluations are based on specific criteria and reference parameters. The evaluation process is organised by areas of knowledge and is carried out through expert peer review within the respective fields. Each application is reviewed by two peers, with the final decision made by the full committee for the relevant area of knowledge. The evaluation includes:

  • A qualitative assessment of the individual’s curriculum vitae (CV) and academic trajectory;

Quantitative indicators, such as the number of refereed publications, books, chapters, citations, and other quantitative data related to the researcher’s activity (training and mentoring; collaboration with academic and non-academic stakeholders; technology transfer; contributions to institutional development, etc.).

History, reviews and evaluations

Since its inception, the SNI has undergone multiple modifications, with its legal framework being continually reviewed and updated. Between 2010 and 2018, the SNI regulation underwent several modifications, although its central characteristics have been maintained until 2018. The period from 2019 to 2023 saw a series of significant regulatory changes, particularly in terms of governance, evaluation and promotion, and eligibility and benefits.

Over time its evaluation criteria has persistently emphasised international prestige, impact factors and citations, reflecting increasingly demanding performance standards. More recently (2019-2024), the SNI objectives refocused on contributions to national development. The performance criteria remain largely unchanged but now emphasized contributions to solving national problems, and publication in journals with national circulation is also considered.

Key changes in SNI:

  • Governance
    • SNI renamed to SNII (Sistema Nacional de Investigadoras e Investigadores)
    • CONACYT renamed to CONHACYT 
    • Governance structure modified, with the General Council replacing the Approval Council as the highest authority
  • Evaluation and Promotion Criteria
    • Change of objective: greater emphasis on contributions to national development (PRONACES framework)
    • Stricter promotion requirements: to reach Levels 2 and 3, researchers must now complete two 5-year terms at the previous level
    • Review Committees now selected by a lottery mechanism, known as insaculation, replacing previous voting-based selection
  • Eligibility and Benefits
    • Parental leave expanded to include adoption, extended to two years
    • New leave options for serious illness or family emergencies
    • Restriction removed on applying after two consecutive rejections
    • New reconsideration rule: applicants must renounce previous evaluation result before requesting a review
  • Financial support limited to public-sector researchers
  • Financial support can be suspended (up to 3 months) for gender violence allegations, even without a formal complaint.

Last updated: May 2025 

Acknowledgement: Information provided by Natalia Gras.

Mexico

Number of Systems
1
Name of System(s)
National System of Researchers (SNI)
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