From Arauca to the World: Meet the Colombian Scientist Fighting the Next Pandemic

When you think of global pandemic fighters, white lab coats and fancy universities probably come to mind. But what if the next hero in the battle against deadly diseases grew up in a small Colombian town, fled violence as a child, and finished high school at just 14? Meet Sergio Triana, the brilliant scientist from Arauca who’s now turning heads at Harvard and MIT.

Forbes just named him one of the most promising young scientists on the planet, and his work could help save millions of lives. Let’s take a closer look at this homegrown hero and his incredible journey from Colombia’s plains to the cutting edge of global science.

A young prodigy from Colombia’s heartland: The early years of Sergio Triana

Sergio Triana’s story starts in Tame, a small town in Arauca, a region better known for conflict than scientific breakthroughs. Growing up, Sergio’s family faced the harsh realities of violence that plagued the area during those years. When things got too dangerous, they packed their bags and moved to Yopal, the capital of Casanare, searching for safety and a fresh start. It wasn’t easy, but the family was determined to give young Sergio the best shot at a brighter future. And boy, did he take that shot.

In Yopal, Sergio attended Colegio Antonio Nariño, where his sharp mind and hunger for knowledge quickly set him apart. Teachers noticed his exceptional abilities early on, and before long, he was skipping grades. By the time most kids were just starting to think about college, Sergio had already finished high school at the age of 14. His brilliance was undeniable, and it was clear this kid was going places, literally and figuratively. The next stop? Bogotá, where even bigger adventures awaited.

From engineering to microbiology: Discovering a passion for science

At 14, Sergio landed a scholarship to study Chemical Engineering at Universidad de los Andes, one of Colombia’s top universities. It was a huge accomplishment, but Sergio admits he wasn’t entirely sure engineering was his calling. What drew him to the field was chemistry, which he saw as a perfect blend of science and engineering. Still, something was missing, and he wasn’t quite sure what. Then he stumbled upon elective courses in molecular and cellular biology, and everything changed.

Those biology classes opened Sergio’s eyes to a whole new world. The complexity of cells, the dance of molecules, the mysteries of microbiology; it all fascinated him in ways engineering never quite did. He decided to pursue a double major, adding Microbiology to his Chemical Engineering degree. Not content to stop there, Sergio went on to complete two master’s degrees, one in Microbiology and another in Computational Biology, both at Universidad de los Andes. His academic journey was just beginning, but his passion for understanding life at its most fundamental level had found its home.

Harvard, MIT, and the hunt for deadly viruses

After completing his master’s programs, Sergio’s thirst for knowledge took him across the Atlantic to Germany. At the European Molecular Biology Institute in Heidelberg, he earned a PhD in Computational Biology, diving deep into the world of data-driven biological research. But it was his next move that really put him on the map. Sergio secured a postdoctoral position at two of the most prestigious universities in the world: Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT. Talk about an upgrade.

At Harvard and MIT, Sergio focuses on some of the scariest viruses known to humankind. We’re talking about Ebola, dengue, Lassa fever, and what scientists call Disease X, basically any unknown pathogen that could suddenly explode into the next pandemic. Using state-of-the-art technology, Sergio and his team study how these viruses work, how they spread, and most importantly, how we can stop them before they cause another global catastrophe. His work is complex, cutting edge, and absolutely critical in a world still recovering from COVID-19.

Sergio’s recognition by Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Science category is a testament to the importance and quality of his research. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “It’s an honor for me to join this group of incredible innovators… And long live Colombian science! A great honor as a Colombian scientist to be recognized in this way for my science and work in South America and the world.” Despite all his success, Sergio remains humble, crediting teamwork and the support he received back home in Colombia.

Teaching the next generation: Bringing science home to Latin America

For Sergio Triana, being a top researcher isn’t enough. He believes deeply in sharing knowledge and inspiring the next generation of scientists, especially in Latin America. That’s why, despite his demanding schedule at Harvard and MIT, Sergio dedicates time to teaching free courses around the world. From Chile to Ghana, he’s traveled far and wide, training scientists, professors, and researchers who might not otherwise have access to cutting-edge training in molecular biology and computational science.

In Chile, Sergio taught 40 students, with 20 coming from different countries across South America. In Ghana, he led a workshop for 30 participants, 20 of whom traveled from various African nations. These aren’t casual weekend seminars; they’re intensive, hands-on courses designed to equip working scientists with the tools they need to push their own research forward. Sergio’s generosity with his time and expertise reflects his commitment to building scientific capacity in regions that often get overlooked by the global research community.

Looking ahead, Sergio has big plans for Colombia. He wants to organize a series of workshops and training programs in his home country to encourage young people to pursue careers in science and research. He knows firsthand how important early exposure and encouragement can be, and he wants to pay it forward. “Colombian science is very good,” Sergio says. “Clearly the scale is much smaller because there are fewer resources and everything is much more expensive, but the quality is there.” His mission is to help unlock that potential.

Colombia’s scientific promise: Breaking barriers on the global stage

Sergio Triana’s story isn’t just about one brilliant individual. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible talent that exists in Colombia, often hidden beneath layers of limited funding, political instability, and lack of international visibility. Sergio himself acknowledges that while Colombian science may operate on a smaller scale, the quality of work being done is world-class. The problem isn’t a lack of brains or dedication; it’s a lack of resources and support.

But Sergio’s success proves that Colombian scientists can compete on the global stage when given the opportunity. His journey from a displaced kid in Arauca to a Forbes-recognized researcher at Harvard and MIT is an inspiration to countless young Colombians who dream of making their mark in science. It also sends a clear message to policymakers and institutions: investing in science and education pays off. When Colombia supports its brightest minds, they don’t just succeed; they shine.

Sergio remains grateful to Colombia for giving him the foundation he needed to reach the top. The education he received at Universidad de los Andes, the mentors who guided him, and the scientific culture that encouraged his curiosity all played crucial roles. Now, as he works to prevent the next pandemic and trains the next generation of researchers, Sergio is giving back, ensuring that the doors he walked through remain open for others.

Sergio Triana’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From a childhood marked by displacement and hardship to the labs of Harvard and MIT, his story is a testament to resilience, brilliance, and the power of education. As he hunts for cures and prepares the world for the next big health crisis, Sergio never forgets where he came from. He’s proof that talent knows no borders and that Colombian science deserves a seat at the global table. So here’s to Sergio and to all the young dreamers out there: keep pushing, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of Colombian ingenuity.