Colombian Engineer Wins International Prize: Sonia Mangones Transforms Urban Mobility With AI

The pioneering work of Sonia Mangones, Colombian engineer artificial intelligence advocate, is reshaping mobility in Colombia. She just received recognition that goes far beyond a trophy or certificate. In November 2025, she won the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Prize for her innovative project that brings artificial intelligence directly to communities that desperately need it.

Mangones, a professor at Colombia’s National University, has devoted her career to solving real-world problems affecting real Colombian people. Her winning project uses cutting-edge technology to transform urban mobility in small municipalities where resources remain scarce and technical expertise even scarcer. This recognition celebrates not just scientific brilliance, but also the profound commitment to making science truly useful.

The award came as part of the regional program supporting Central America and the Andean Region, recognizing Mangones’ leadership in creating inclusive technological solutions.

What makes her work particularly inspiring is its focus on equity; she recognized that major cities such as Bogota and Medellin have resources to hire consultants and build sophisticated transportation systems, but 250 smaller municipalities lack the budget, expertise, or institutional capacity to do the same. Her response was elegant and democratic: Create tools that any municipality could use, regardless of size or available resources.

Transforming urban mobility through artificial intelligence

Mangones’ winning project, titled “Mobility That Transforms,” proposes artificial intelligence tools with a crucial difference from most tech solutions; they’re open-source, meaning municipalities can access and use them without expensive licensing fees.

These tools help local governments plan sustainable transportation systems that prioritize safety, inclusivity, and environmental protection. Rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions, the tools adapt to each community’s specific conditions, challenges, and resources.

The AI solutions enable municipalities to accomplish several critical objectives simultaneously. They help design transportation systems that protect vulnerable users, incorporating safety considerations for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders.

It incorporates gender perspectives into urban mobility planning, recognizing that people often use transportation systems differently and face different safety challenges. They promote environmental sustainability by helping communities design transportation infrastructure that reduces emissions and supports cleaner air. Perhaps, most importantly, they democratize access to sophisticated tools that previously only high-income municipalities could afford, leveling the playing field across Colombia.

A scientific career built on social impact

Sonia Mangones brings impressive credentials to her innovative work. She holds a doctorate in engineering focused on transportation from Carnegie Mellon University, one of the world’s premier engineering institutions.

Currently, she serves as an associate professor in the Engineering Faculty at Colombia’s National University. Beyond teaching and research, she leads two important research initiatives; Translogyt, a research group investigating transportation issues, and SIMUN, a research seedbed bringing together science, technical assistance, and education in public policy, sustainability, and equity.

What distinguishes Mangones’ approach is how she bridges the gap between academic research and practical application. Many scientists publish important research that somehow never reaches decision-makers or practitioners who could use it to solve real problems. Mangones deliberately designed her career to avoid this disconnect.

She conducts rigorous scientific research, but she also provides technical assistance to municipalities and trains government officials and community members in relevant public policy approaches. This integration of research, practice, and education creates genuine impact far beyond academic publications.

Closing the gender gap in science and technology

The L’Oréal-UNESCO award carries special significance because it recognizes women’s contributions to science at a moment when female representation in research remains dismayingly low.

According to United Nations data, women comprise only 33% of researchers globally, suggesting that the scientific community underutilizes approximately two-thirds of available female talent. The L’Oréal-UNESCO program, created in 1998, has worked to address this imbalance by recognizing and supporting female scientists. To date, the program has honored more than 4,400 female scientists worldwide.

Research specific to Latin America reveals additional challenges women scientists face in countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Panama. Studies show significant disparities in labor market access for women in STEM fields, with many facing unequal treatment in workplace environments.

Women often encounter limitations on professional growth opportunities that male colleagues might not experience. These systemic barriers discourage talented women from pursuing science careers or continuing in fields where they encounter discrimination and limited advancement prospects. Mangones represents the kind of role model that can inspire young women to persist despite these obstacles.

Science that changes lives

Sonia Mangones’ recognition with the L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize represents far more than individual achievement, though that achievement certainly deserves celebration. Her award signals that scientific excellence thrives when coupled with commitment to social equity and real-world impact.

Her innovative approach demonstrates that technology can democratize access to knowledge and tools rather than concentrating them in wealthy hands. Most importantly, her success shows that Colombian scientists can compete at the highest international levels while addressing urgent local needs.

The US$10,000 prize money that accompanies the award will further strengthen the social and scientific impact of Mangones’ work. More broadly, her recognition contributes to narrowing the gender gap in STEM by providing visibility, validation, and inspiration to other female scientists. As Colombia continues developing its scientific capacity and technological innovation, scientists such as Mangones point the way toward a future where science serves everyone equitably. Her example proves that the best science ultimately transforms lives.