His appointment recognizes a career spanning nearly three decades devoted to teaching, research, innovation, and scientific development in Santander and throughout Colombia.
Science and technology in Colombia now have a new leader with roots in Santander and academic training at the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS). Systems engineer César Darío Guerrero Santander, a UIS graduate, has been appointed the new Vice Minister of Talent and Social Appropriation of Knowledge at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
His appointment was formalized through Decree 1220 of August 14, 2026, signed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Claudia Patricia Benavides Salazar.
For UIS, the appointment of one of its graduates to a strategic position for the country’s scientific development represents recognition of his professional career and of the University’s contribution to the education and training of highly specialized talent.
Guerrero Santander has had an academic career spanning back to 1997. He has held various positions in the university and scientific fields.
His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering and a master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of South Florida in the United States, as well as a master’s degree in Creativity and Leadership for Change from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
This academic background is complemented by extensive research experience. He has served as principal investigator on projects funded by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC), the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Minciencias), and the General Royalties System. Since 2014, he has been recognized as a Senior Researcher.
His experience has also extended to decision-making and policy development in higher education and science. Since November 2023, he had served on the National Accreditation Council (CNA), and since June 2022, on the Santander Departmental Council for Science, Technology and Innovation.
A UIS graduate serving national science
The education Guerrero Santander received at UIS is one of the pillars of the new Vice Minister’s career. He will now face among his main challenges the strengthening of scientific and technological talent and the promotion of greater social appropriation of knowledge throughout the country.
UIS Rector Hernán Porras Díaz highlighted the significance of having one of the University’s graduates take on this responsibility and emphasized Guerrero Santander’s experience in science and technology projects, particularly those developed in Santander.
“His participation in national forums such as the National Accreditation Council and his leadership of science and technology projects (…) have enabled him to understand both the demands of the system and the capabilities found in the regions,” the rector said in his congratulatory message.
Porras Díaz also reiterated the University’s willingness to make its academic and scientific capabilities available to support initiatives led by the Vice Ministry, within the framework of university autonomy and UIS’s public mission.
With this appointment, César Darío Guerrero Santander brings to the national government a career built through academia, research, and innovation, with a perspective that recognizes the potential of Colombia’s regions and the role of universities in the generation and social appropriation of knowledge.
His appointment to the Vice Ministry is also a new source of pride for the Universidad Industrial de Santander, which sees one of its graduates taking on a leading role in addressing national challenges related to science, technology, talent, and innovation.
