Julia Tagüeña’s scientific contributions

Abstract This paper describes the Mexican Programa Adopte Talento A.C.1 (PAUTA) or Adopt a Talent Program,2 and the specific development and initial evaluation of PAUTAmor, the PAUTA branch in the state of Morelos. PAUTA was created by Mexican scientists and educators for the identification and support of primary- and secondary-school students with talent in science and mathematics. The program began in various parts of the country in primary schools in 2007, while PAUTAmor started in secondary schools in 2008. Workshops were developed and conducted, first with science teachers and then with students nominated by these teachers. The aim of PAUTA is to develop creativity, scientific abilities, and attitudes indicated as essential by PAUTA. Multiple assessment instruments were selected, adapted, or designed to create a broad database, both quantitative and qualitative, to evaluate the pilot program. Nominated students continue with the workshops for two years, and from this group, a select core continues to a third year of the program, working with scientific mentors in their areas of interest.