Rosibel Ochoa, UCR’s associate vice chancellor for technology partnerships, was honored as one of “the top minds in the hemisphere” by the Organization of American States, or OAS.

Ochoa was one of seven scientists and researchers honored with the OAS Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Americas Award at a ceremony on Dec. 19. The award highlights the transformative power of science to drive socioeconomic progress and address critical challenges in the Americas.

The organization lauded the honorees for their outstanding work and dedication to nation-building by fostering cooperation and partnerships for development among OAS member states.

Ochoa was recognized for bridging the gap between research and practical solutions, and for her regional mentoring and training work.

Univision television reporter María Molina, who served as the master of ceremonies for the event, described Ochoa as a remarkable leader who has reimagined the entrepreneurial landscape of Latin America and promoted innovation and collaboration. She called Ochoa an inspiration for innovation leaders throughout the region.

“Dr. Ochoa’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of leadership that blends expertise with an unyielding drive to create opportunities and foster sustainable development for the communities of our region,” Molina said.

In accepting the award, Ochoa said she sees her role as translating science into product and encouraging entrepreneurship.

“My job, my passion, has always been how can I help that next person, not just professors but students and people from the community, to turn those ideas into businesses because we know businesses create wealth,” Ochoa said.

The OAS Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Americas Award was created in 1972 under the name “Bernardo Houssay,” honoring the legacy of the Argentine Nobel Prize winner whose work on diabetes transformed global health. Since then, the award has celebrated outstanding achievements in fields such as biological sciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and applied technological research.