María works at the intersection of science and diplomacy and joined UKCEH as International Relations coordinator in January 2023. In 2022, she was appointed as special advisor to the International Science Council and member of the standing committee of Outreach and Engagement until 2025. Previously, as Deputy Director of International Affairs at the University of Costa Rica, she led the design and implementation of the international strategy, negotiated high level agreements, acted as an intermediary for policy engagement, and hosted high level visits and events.

Maria has worked as a consultant for different United Nations agencies advising Latin American governments and as a lecturer in research methods. She is a TEDx speaker and has been a panellist in science policy at international events such as the United Nations SDG Summit 2023, the United Nations 7th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation for the SDG and UNESCO CILAC, among others. She has a Masters in Science, Technology and Public Policy from University College London as FCDO Chevening scholar (First class distinction). She is also part of different networks such as UNESCO’s OWSD, the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) and AAAS-TWAS science diplomacy alumni. She is fluent in English, Spanish and French.