Dr. Mabel Gisela Torres, Colombia’s inaugural Minister of Science, Technology, & Innovation, epitomizes a fusion of academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep-rooted commitment to her community.

Hailing from Colombia’s Pacific Coast, Dr. Torres embarked on a transformative journey abroad, culminating in her return to the Department of Chocó, where she launched Selvaceúticals S.A.S. – a pioneering therapeutic cosmetics company that harmonizes economics, science, and ancestral wisdom.

Born on June 13, 1972, Dr. Torres earned her stripes as a biochemist, graduating with a master’s in microbiology from the Universidad del Valle in Cali.

Her academic pursuits took her further to the University of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, where she earned dual Ph.D.s in biological science and fungal systematics, complemented by a master’s in innovation & entrepreneurship from the OBS Business School at the University of Barcelona. Today, she imparts her knowledge as a respected professor at the Technological University of Chocó in Quibdó, the departmental capital.

The establishment of Colombia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, & Innovation in 2019 marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s pursuit of progress and prosperity. Tasked with steering scientific and technological policy, Dr. Torres assumes a pivotal role in shaping Colombia’s future, under President Duque’s vision of fostering innovation for the nation’s well-being and economic growth.

Dr. Torres’s academic journey is adorned with achievements and milestones. Notably, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the Universidad del Valle in 1993 before pursuing her master’s in microbiology, during which she spearheaded research on ‘Gastric Cancer Chemoprevention.’ Subsequently, she ventured into academia, teaching Microbiology at the Technological University of Pereira and Environmental Microbiology at the Technological University of Chocó.

Her scholarly pursuits led her to Mexico, where she attained her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Guadalajara. Her thesis on ‘Systematics of Ganoderma P. Karst’ garnered acclaim, propelling her into postdoctoral studies in ‘Fungal Bioprospecting and Systematics.’ Returning to Colombia in 2012, Dr. Torres assumed leadership as the Executive Director of the Bioinnova Research and Innovation Center at the Diego Luis Córdoba Technological University of Chocó, championing biodiversity as an economic driver for local and national development.

Her contributions have been lauded globally, earning her prestigious accolades such as ‘Afro-Colombian of the Year’ in the ‘Science and Technology’ category and recognition as a Globalizer Program Social Innovator by Ashoka-IKEA, among others. Her dedication to education was further honored through her win in the Teaching Excellence Contest of the National University of Colombia.

Dr. Mabel Gisela Torres stands as a beacon of inspiration, embodying the transformative power of knowledge, innovation, and social responsibility.

Her remarkable journey underscores the profound impact that visionary leadership can have on shaping a brighter future for Colombia and beyond!

Congratulations!!