The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) officially launched the 2025–2027 cohort of the Science, Technology, and Policy (STeP) Fellowship Program, with a thematic focus on Biodiversity and the Bioeconomy.
Now in its fifth edition, the STeP Program strengthens the capacities of early- and mid-career professionals working at the interface between science and public policy in the Americas. Fellows are integrated into host government institutions in the region, contributing to evidence-informed decision-making and regional cooperation.
For the first time, STeP is launching a cohort with a dedicated theme: biodiversity and bioeconomy. The decision responds to the growing demand from governments and partner organizations to strengthen scientific advisory capacities in areas of high socio-environmental relevance.
Training, support, and alignment with regional frameworks
As in previous editions, fellows will receive training in science diplomacy, science communication, leadership, and transdisciplinary approaches. In this cohort, training is conducted in collaboration with the LATAM Bioeconomy Network (https://bioeconomialatam.net/) and expert mentors from across the region.
At the same time, the IAI works closely with host and supervising institutions to align projects with national and international frameworks (FAO, IICA, ECLAC, IPCC), including:
- Institutional strengthening through training in bioeconomy indicators.
- Promotion of monitoring as part of public management.
- Promotion of local data collection with interactive feedback.
This approach seeks to ensure that science informs policy in a participatory and contextualized manner.
A growing network
With more than 80 graduates, the STeP Program, which is part of the IAI’s Center for Science Diplomacy, continues to consolidate a dynamic network of science advisors who connect science, policy, and diplomacy to address complex sustainability challenges in the Americas.
Fellows
Carolina Chong Montenegro, Sara Gonzalez, Aymer Andrés Vásquez Ordóñez, Manuela Montoya Castrillón, Gonzalo Martín Rivelli, María Agustina Iglesias, and Benjamin Gerstner.
Cohort mentors
LATAM Bioeconomy Network, Ediner Fuentes (SENACYT, Panama), Pilar Useche (University of Florida – Center for Latin American Studies, Tropical Conservation & Development Program), Carlos Joly (UNICAMP and Brazilian Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, BPBES, Brazil), and Sebastián Riera (INTA, Argentina).
Program partners
CREA/CONICET, Humboldt Institute, American Association for the Advancement of Science Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (AAAS STPF), Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute – Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (STRI/CMAR) Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Estado de Santa Catarina (FAPESC)
Learn more
Read about the fellows and the program here
