Blog Maritza Cuervo: A leader in germplasm health
At the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, there are many stories that demonstrate how science can change lives. Among them is that of Maritza Cuervo, a woman whose passion, leadership, and perseverance marked more than three decades of work and left a profound mark on germplasm health and the people who surrounded her.
A dream that began in college
She studied agronomy at university in Colombia, and through an internship she first came to CIAT (now part of the Alliance): a place that for her was an "unattainable dream". Fascinated by the laboratories and the scientific environment, in 1988 she started her thesis in virology, where she learned from scratch about techniques, methodologies and the discipline necessary to work in a laboratory.
The virology laboratory: your first lessons learned
For 17 years he was part of the virology laboratory: a space that provided her with great learning and human connection. Her first boss was Lee Calvert, known for his strict character, who ended up being a patient and rigorous guide who shaped her growth both professionally and personally.
Germplasm health: where she left an indelible mark
The biggest milestone in her professional career came in 2006, when she assumed the coordination of the Germplasm Health. There, she
- was part of a multidisciplinary team with experts in viruses, fungi and bacteria;
- implemented more sensitive and efficient methodologies to detect pathogens;
- raised the laboratory to a nationally and internationally recognized quality standard;
- led the registration process of the Germplasm Health Laboratory with the ICA and implemented a solid and reliable quality management system. Thanks to this effort, the Alliance was able to transfer germplasm with greater security, technical support and official recognition.
That team, which she describes as "her second family," became one of the greatest prides of her professional life. For Maritza, science was never just research: it was humanity, ethics, rigor and teamwork. As she says: "It's not enough to be a good scientist; you also have to be a good person."
The evolving role of women scientists
When Maritza arrived at CIAT, few women held leadership positions and breaking through was more difficult. Over time she witnessed a profound transformation: more women at the head of laboratories and programs, greater recognition of female talent, and equity policies that strengthened their participation.
Advice and legacy for new generations
To those starting their scientific careers, Maritza leaves them a message based on persistence and insistence, reminding them that agricultural science in the area of plant health will face increasing challenges due to climate change and the emergence of new pathogens. Therefore, the new generations will have to develop increasingly sensitive, efficient and safe methodologies.
A closing full of gratitude
Looking back, Maritza sums up her 36 years in one word: gratitude. Gratitude for the learning, the opportunities, the teams and the community that accompanied her. Today she dreams of dedicating time to herself, enjoying simple things, living in the mountains of Dapa and staying connected to science to continue to inspire others.
A tribute to all women doing science in the Alliance
Her story is a tribute to the transformative power of women in science. Maritza's leadership, perseverance and humanity reflect the essence of the Alliance and pave the way for those who come after her, building a more sustainable, equitable and hopeful agricultural future.
