CEBEM’s work began on Batallón Colorados Street, Edificio el Cóndor (Piso 6, Oficina 604), with the idea of creating an institutional space that allowed autonomous social studies research apart from educational and governmental institutions.

These kind of institutions appeared during Latin America’s dictatorship in the 70’s; at which time most state universities and particularly social sciences didn’t have space to grow. That is when international cooperation related to scientific research supported the creation of independent centers where social scientists carried out their work. In the 80’s, and within this frame, CEBEM received institutional support from SAREC-Suede through financial assistance for the strengthening of social sciences research.

CEBEM’s founders were René Antonio Mayorga y José Blanes among other people who made a commitment to the institution. Then another group of researchers were invited to join us: Ramiro Molina Barrios, Mario Galindo Soza, Edgar Antonio Pabón, Cecilia González, Jorge Téllez y Mario Torres Adrián.  Despite the distance, CEBEM has a close relationship with Simón Pachano, an associate researcher from FLACSO-Ecuador.

At the beginning, logistical support and invaluable administrative contribution from Mateo Limachi and Elizabeth Carpio, was fundamental. Following the same line Selva Escalera, Beatriz Herrera, Alvaro Quispe, Diego De la Quintana, Juan Coronel, Manuel Rebollo, Vitaliano Huanca and Marcelo Pinto.