By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Two of the nation’s leading academic minds have been awarded Costa Rica’s highest distinction for scientific and technological achievement. The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) has named Max Chavarría Vargas of the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and Anthony Valverde Abarca of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) as the laureates of the 2025 Clodomiro Picado Twight National Awards.
The prestigious awards recognize a lifetime of contributions that have significantly advanced knowledge and application in their respective fields. Dr. Chavarría took the prize in the Science category for his revolutionary work in microbiology and genomics, while Dr. Valverde was honored in the Technology category for his pioneering advancements in animal reproduction.
To delve into the broader business and legal significance of recognizing national scientific talent, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis on the matter.
The Clodomiro Picado Twight Awards are more than a mere recognition; they are a powerful signal to the global market about Costa Rica’s commitment to innovation. From a legal perspective, they highlight the critical importance of a strong intellectual property framework. Protecting the groundbreaking work of our scientists is essential to transforming these discoveries into viable patents, new enterprises, and tangible economic growth, thus securing our nation’s legacy as a hub for scientific excellence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully illustrates that the legal framework is not merely a formality but the very engine that transforms scientific recognition into national prosperity. By safeguarding innovation, we pave the way for tangible economic growth and solidify Costa Rica’s global standing. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical connection.
Dr. Max Chavarría Vargas, a professor at the UCR’s School of Chemistry and coordinator of the Genomics and Molecular Biology Unit at CENIBiot, has built an internationally recognized career. His portfolio of over 77 scientific articles and a registered patent reflects a profound and diverse impact on Costa Rican science. Among his most celebrated achievements is the discovery of antibiotic-producing bacteria residing in the fur of three-toed sloths, a finding so significant it graced the cover of the journal Environmental Microbiology in 2022.
Beyond this headline-grabbing discovery, Dr. Chavarría was instrumental in unraveling the scientific mystery behind the unique turquoise color of the famous Río Celeste. He successfully translated this complex scientific knowledge into accessible information for local communities, empowering them with tools to champion the river’s conservation. Furthermore, he is credited as a pioneer in implementing the revolutionary CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology within Costa Rica, opening new frontiers for local genetic research.
When we see how people grow professionally and how their lives change, that is the most satisfying part of a scientific career.
Max Chavarría Vargas, Professor at the UCR School of Chemistry
In the Technology category, the award for Anthony Valverde Abarca represents a significant nod to scientific decentralization. As a professor at the TEC’s School of Agronomy at its San Carlos campus, his selection underscores the high-caliber research being conducted outside the country’s Central Valley. Dr. Valverde has been a transformative force in agricultural and conservation technology in Costa Rica.
He is the founder of the Animal Reproduction Laboratory (AndroTEC) and was the first to introduce computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) technology to the country. This sophisticated tool has been fundamental in elevating the genetic quality of Costa Rica’s crucial bovine and porcine sectors. His work also extends into vital conservation efforts, where he has applied his expertise to spermatology studies for threatened species, including crocodiles and caimans, aiding in the preservation of the nation’s rich biodiversity.
This is a team effort. Decentralization is important because we impact the areas where the campuses are actually located.
Anthony Valverde Abarca, Professor at the TEC School of Agronomy
The selection of this year’s winners was conducted by a distinguished jury in accordance with Executive Decree No. 41128-MICITT. The panel included representatives from MICITT, the Costa Rican Promoter for Innovation and Research, the National Council of Rectors (CONARE), the National Academy of Sciences for the Science award, and the Federated College of Engineers and Architects for the Technology award. An official awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the MICITT auditorium, where both laureates will be formally celebrated.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT):
MICITT is the governing body of the science and technology sector in Costa Rica. Its mission is to guide, promote, and stimulate scientific and technological development, innovation, and telecommunications to foster a knowledge-based society that contributes to the country’s sustainable and inclusive progress.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About the University of Costa Rica (UCR):
Founded in 1940, the University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. It is a leading institution in research and higher education across Latin America, recognized for its contributions to social action, arts, sciences, and humanities, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the region.
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC):
The Tecnológico de Costa Rica is a leading public university specializing in engineering, science, and technology. With its main campus in Cartago and regional centers throughout the country, TEC is dedicated to producing highly skilled professionals and driving technological innovation to solve national and global challenges.
For further information, visit conare.ac.cr
About the National Council of Rectors (CONARE):
CONARE is the coordinating body for Costa Rica’s public higher education institutions. It works to articulate policies and actions among the five state universities (UCR, TEC, UNA, UNED, and UTN) to ensure quality, relevance, and equity in higher education and its contribution to national development.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Costa Rican Promoter for Innovation and Research
About the Costa Rican Promoter for Innovation and Research:
This entity is a key part of Costa Rica’s national innovation system. It is tasked with promoting and facilitating investment in research, development, and innovation projects within the country, serving as a bridge between academia, the private sector, and government initiatives to strengthen the knowledge economy.
For further information, visit anc.cr
About the National Academy of Sciences (ANC):
The Academia Nacional de Ciencias of Costa Rica is an independent organization that brings together the country’s most distinguished scientists. Its primary objective is to promote scientific development, advise the state on scientific matters, and foster a culture of science and research for the benefit of society.
For further information, visit cfia.or.cr
About the Federated College of Engineers and of Architects (CFIA):
The CFIA is the professional body that regulates and oversees the practice of engineering and architecture in Costa Rica. It is responsible for ensuring ethical standards, promoting professional development, and contributing technical expertise to national infrastructure and development projects.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently channels its profound expertise toward pioneering innovative legal solutions and advancing a core commitment to social responsibility. This dedication is manifested in its mission to demystify legal complexities for the public, fostering an empowered and knowledgeable citizenry equipped to strengthen the community.
