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SciPol/SciDip

Science policy experience:

I serve as an Advisor for Sustainability at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy. Previously, I was a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the State Department's Office of Mexican Affairs and at USAID's Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program. I also bring experience as a Policy Advisor at Lewis-Burke Associates. Additionally, I am a 2025 National Science Policy Network (NSPN) Leader and an alumna of the NSPN SciPol Scholars-in-Residence (SPSR) Program and the ASBMB Advocacy Training Program (ATP).

Science diplomacy experience:

I am a founding member of the Science Diplomacy Network in Latin America and the Caribbean (DiploCientifica) and an alumna of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Science, Technology, and Policy (STeP) Fellowship. I have also participated in several science diplomacy programs and workshops, including the AAAS Science Diplomacy and Leadership Workshop, the AAAS/TWAS Science Diplomacy Course, and the InnScid SP Science Diplomacy School.

Publications, Op-Eds, Blog Posts, and Policy Alerts


Catalyzing sustainable development: insights from the international workshop on STI policies and innovation systems in Central America
Article published in Frontiers on the landscape of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies in Central America. This work stems from a workshop hosted by Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service as part of the Science, Technology, and International Affairs (STIA) Program
Dec 2024

Bridging science diplomacy and science communication: Recommendations for the Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region
Article published in the "Science Diplomacy" journal of the National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), which delves into the role of science communication and capacity-building in science diplomacy across the LAC region
Sep 2024

Synergies between science communication and science diplomacy to address global challenges: Lessons from the LAC region
Our new book chapter delves into the role of science communication in science diplomacy within the LAC region. We spotlight the contributions of five LAC organizations to these fields
Aug 2024
The needed link between open science and science diplomacy — A Latin American perspective
Research article on the crucial link between open science and science diplomacy in Latin America. It includes a survey of 50 organizations promoting open science and two focus groups to understand their use of science diplomacy. The article provides recommendations for organizations and policymakers
Jun 2024
Health, climate and the environment in Latin America and the Caribbean
Chapter on “One Health” and science diplomacy to address the consequences of climate change for the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) and Latinoamérica21 (L21) health, climate, and environment compendium (Pages 12-14)
(English version) (Spanish version)(Portuguese version)
May 2024

Participatory processes for the design of science diplomacy initiatives: Perspectives from emerging economies
Article published in the "Science Diplomacy" journal of the National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), which delves into the significance of participatory processes in shaping science diplomacy initiatives
Apr 2024

Recommendations for a science diplomacy strategy for the safeguarding of the Amazon
With the support of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) and the Science Diplomacy Network in Latin America and the Caribbean (DiploCientifica), this white paper provides policy recommendations to protect the Amazon
(English version) (Spanish version)
Mar 2024
“One Health” as a pillar of the Loss and Damage Fund
Column for Latinoamérica21 (L21) about how science diplomacy and One health can help mitigate non-economic losses and damages caused by climate change
(English version) (Spanish version)(Portuguese version)
Feb 2024
Panama Declaration - Science Diplomacy in the Americas: Addressing Global Challenges
Joint statement on the advancement of science diplomacy in Latin America and the Caribbean issued during the science diplomacy workshop organized by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) and SENACYT in Panama City, Panama
(English version) (Spanish version)
Oct 2023
Luz Cumba García Launches a Science Policy Career with the Help of NSPN's Programs
Blog post highlighting my experiences in science policy and science diplomacy as well as the training provided by the National Science Policy Network (NSPN)
Oct 2022
Overview of the 26th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: Implications for Scientific Research
Summary article prepared and translated by Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC about the COP26 meeting for the Science Diplomacy Network in Latin America and the Caribbean (DiploCientifica) blog
(English version) (Spanish version)
Jan 2022
Investigating the world beyond academia (Mayo Alumni Magazine Issue 4)
Article about my career development internships at Mayo Cinic and experiences in science policy
Dec 2021
Let’s talk about the gender gap on Women’s Day
Blog post for DiploCientifica during 2021 International Women's Day, discussing the impact of COVID-19 on women in science and the role we have played during the pandemic
(English version) (Spanish version)
Mar 2021
Inaugural SciPol Scholars Reflect on their Bootcamp Experience
Blog post about NSPN's SciPol Scholars Fellows experience
Jan 2021
The Power of Advocacy as a Force to Generate Changes in Science
Column for the Puerto Rico Science Policy Action Network (PR-SPAN) blog (Ciencia Puerto Rico)
(English version) (Spanish version)
Nov 2019
Science Diplomats Bring a Gender Perspective to Science Diplomacy
Op-Ed for Impakter Magazine (contributor)
Jul 2019
H.R. 1709-Scientific Integrity Act
Policy Alert for PR-SPAN blog (Ciencia Puerto Rico)
(English version) (Spanish version)
Jun 2019
Establishing Bridges through Science Diplomacy: The Experience of a Puerto Rican Scientist in Egypt
Column for PR-SPAN blog (Ciencia Puerto Rico)
(English version) (Spanish version)
Apr 2019

Media Appearances - Facebook Live and YouTube

Discover the Voices of the IAIs Inter-American Network of STeP Fellows
Short video highlighting how the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Science, Technology, and Policy (STEP) Program bridges science and diplomacy in Latin America
Mar 2025
Making a Statement - State Magazine
Interview with State Magazine about my motivations for pursuing public service at the Department of State
Oct 2024
The role of science communication in the creation of evidence-informed public policies
Webinar with the Puerto Rican Society of Microbiologists on the role of science communication in evidence-informed policymaking, its impact on science diplomacy, and my career journey in these fields
Oct 2024
Science to Action: Science Diplomacy
Webinar with the American Geophysical Union about my journey from academia to science diplomacy
Aug 2024
Science in Careers in Foreign Affairs
Featured on the U.S. Department of State's Hispanic and Latin Employee Council of Foreign Affairs Agencies (HECFAA) YouTube channel. In this video, I share my journey as a scientist working in foreign affairs
Jun 2024
Navigating multicultural advocacy and diplomacy: Insights from a scientist turned policy advocate
National Science Policy Network (NSPN) webinar about my career journey at the intersection of science, policy, and diplomacy
Feb 2024
STPF on its 50th Anniversary + A class photo montage
Featured in the video celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships
Feb 2023
Ethics in Science Communication During the Misinformation Era: Lessons Learned
Invited speaker at the Tigers for Inclusion, Diversity, and Ethics (TIDE) 2022 Conference held in Clemson University, SC. I discussed my journey through science, science communication, science policy, and science diplomacy
Mar 2022
"8vo Cafecito con STEAM y una Pizca de Vistazo"
Interview with the organizations "Vistazo a la Ciencia" and "STEAM 100X35" about my science communication, science policy, and science diplomacy efforts
Jan 2022
"Hablemos de diplomacia científica con Luz Cumba García"
Interview with the Science Diplomacy Network in Latin America and the Caribbean (DiploCientifica) about one of my articles regarding women in science diplomacy and gender equality
Jan 2022
NSPS Panel: The Unspoken Public Health Crisis: Environmental Epidemiology
Moderator for "The Unspoken Public Health Crisis: Environmental Epidemiology" panel at the 2021 National Science Policy Network (NSPN) Symposium
Nov 2021
“Primer Aniversario DiploCientifica”
Panel about women in science diplomacy as part of DiploCientifica's first anniversary celebration
Aug 2021
"De inmunóloga a comunicadora científica: recorriendo el mundo a través de la ciencia"
Seminar about my career trajectory, science communication, science policy, and science diplomacy efforts with the organization "NeuroBoricuas UPR-Cayey"
Mar 2021
A Year in Review - The National Science Policy Network 2019-2020
Promo video for the National Science Policy Network (NSPN) highlighting their initiatives and programs, including my participation as a fellow of the SciPol Scholars Program and the Professional Development Fund
Nov 2020
National Science Policy Symposium (NSPN) Promo Video 2018-2019

Media Appearances - Radio and Podcasts

Luz at AAAS "Sci on the Fly" podcast
In this episode, I share my insights on practicing culturally-relevant science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. My intervention begins at minute 15:00
Jul 2024
Luz at "¡Qué es la que hay!" radio show
Interview on Radio Isla 1320 AM's "¡Qué es la que hay!" show, discussing my journey in science diplomacy, public policy, and biomedical sciences within the segment "Ciencia Boricua". My intervention begins at minute 24:00
Mar 2024
Luz at "Manos a la tierra" radio show
Interview about the public policy initiative PR-SPAN and its role during the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico. Transmitted through WIPR am and Tunein Radio
Aug 2020
Luz at "In a Perfect Policy" podcast by CaSP UW-Madison
Interview with the Catalysts for Science Policy Organization (University of Wisconsin - Madison)
Nov 2019

Organized Webinars and Videos Produced

“¿Cuáles son los ingredientes de las vacunas de COVID-19?”
Video clip explaining the ingredients of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. This clip is extracted from the panel “La vacuna para todos... en arroz y habichuelas”, organized by PRSPAN members
Jan 2021
“La vacuna para todos... en arroz y habichuelas”
Panel organized by PRSPAN members about the COVID-19 vaccines
Dec 2020
“De cara a las elecciones 2020: ¿Para qué votar? y ¿Qué debes saber?”
Video prepared by members of PRSPAN about how and why it is important to vote for the Puerto Rico elections. This video is part of the initiative "Visibility and awareness for the 2020 elections" sponsored by Ciencia PR, Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), and Science Rising
Oct 2020
“Diplomacia Científica en Chile y América Latina con la Dra. Johana Cabrera”
Webinar for PR-SPAN members about science diplomacy in Chile and Latin America with Dr. Johana Cabrera
Jul 2020

Scipol and SciDip Organizations

Science Policy: PR-SPAN

The Puerto Rico Science Policy Action Network (PR-SPAN) is an initiative of Ciencia Puerto Rico that seeks to alert about federal and local policies that are relevant to science and Puerto Rico, identify subject matter experts that can serve to inform these public policies, and train and motivate the scientific community to serve as advocates for transparency, independent and sustainable science, and evidence-based public policies. As a PR-SPAN member, I am in charge of managing the social media accounts, organize webinars, and contribute to the creation of policy alerts, blogs, and op-eds.
 

Science Diplomacy: DiploCientifica

The mission of the Science Diplomacy Network in Latin America and the Caribbean is generate awareness and knowledge about science diplomacy within the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, increase the visibility of the LAC region in the global arena of science diplomacy, and articulate a LAC community interested in science diplomacy. As a member of this organization, I work with the International Relationships Committee and the Communications Committee.

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