Jorge Huete-Pérez is a molecular biologist and science diplomacy leader originally from Nicaragua. He is currently a professor at Georgetown University and the founding director of the Molecular Biology Center at the University of Central America (Nicaragua), where he established the country’s first molecular biology laboratory. After earning his Ph.D. and completing postdoctoral work at UC San Francisco and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (USA), he returned to Nicaragua in 1998 and co-founded the Academy of Sciences of Nicaragua.

Throughout his career, Dr. Huete-Pérez has been a committed advocate for academic freedom and the responsible use of science in society, often working in environments where scientific independence and open inquiry were under pressure. In recent years, he has expanded his efforts to the international stage, where he continues to lead regional science initiatives and support scientists at risk through outreach, mentorship, and institutional engagement.

His contributions to the international science community span research in molecular biology, environmental impact, and public health—particularly in the areas of parasitology, biotechnology, and antimicrobial resistance. He has been a visible voice in global conversations on academic freedom, science diplomacy, and the role of science in democratic development. His leadership has been recognized with international honors, including the Pew Fellowship in Biomedical Sciences and election to the Global Young Academy.

Dr. Huete-Pérez has held governance roles in several scientific bodies, including IANAS, GYA, and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), where he currently serves on the Communications, Outreach, and Education Committee. He has spoken widely on the importance of protecting science and scientists in fragile democracies and has been instrumental in advancing inclusive, ethical, and collaborative science systems across Latin America.