Guillermo Soberón was born in Iguala, Guerrero, in 1929. He obtained his degree at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM) in 1949 and his doctorate in physiology (physiological chemistry) at the University of Wisconsin in 1956. He has occupied the highest posts at the UNAM: he has served as Director of the Institute for Biomedical Studies, Coordinator of Scientific Research and, on two separate occasions, has held the Office of President of this prestigious university.
As for his participation in public service, he has held the following positions: Coordinator of Health Services for the Presidency of the Republic (1981-1982); Minister of Health (1982-1988); Coordinator on the Advisory Council of Sciences, an advisory organ for the President of the Republic (1988-1994).
He has participated in research at the Institute for Biomedical Research and at the Center for Nitrogen Fixation; he has lectured at the Faculty of Medicine and he has also been a guest lecturer at several universities throughout the country. His scientific endeavors have gained him recognition; he has been the recipient of diverse distinctions such as the Sciences Prize, in 1965, awarded by the Academy of Scientific Research; the "Elías Sourasky" Sciences Prize in 1968; the "Luis Elizondo" Prize in 1974; the National Sciences Prize in 1980; the Abraham Horwitz Prize, awarded by the Pan-American Health Organization, in 1991; Recognition to Medical Merit Award, in 1999. He has been awarded Honoris Causa doctorates by the following universities: Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Universidad de Oviedo, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Universidad de Salamanca, Tel Aviv University and University of Wisconsin. He has also been honored by medical and scientific societies in Costa Rica, Spain, the United States, France and from the Pan-American Health Organization.
Guillermo Soberón has written or co-authored 17 books, has participated in another 51 books and has contributed 20 book presentations, prologues or introductions; he has published close to 120 papers; he has participated in 102 congresses in Mexico, 19 abroad; he has conducted 215 conferences or seminars in the country and 47 abroad.
He is a member of the Mexican Biochemical Society of which he is the founder; the Mexican Society of Physiological Sciences, the Physician’s Association of the "Salvador Zubirán" National Institute of Nutrition; the Academy of Scientific Research; and the National College (Colegio Nacional) since 1981. He is also member of several associations beyond the Mexican border, such as the Biochemical Society in England; the American Society of Biological Chemists in the US; the New York Academy of Sciences; and the American Chemical Society.
He has been president of the Union of Latin American Universities, President of the International Association of Universities, President of the XXXVII World Assembly on Health, President of the PHO Board of Directors.
He is currently serving as Executive President of the Mexican Health Foundation and President of the Board of Directors of the National University Club.
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