By San José, Costa Rica — The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) has officially announced the winners of the coveted Clodomiro Picado Twight National Science and Technology Awards. Considered the country’s highest honors in scientific research and technological development, this year’s recognition shines a spotlight on groundbreaking achievements originating from Costa Rica’s leading public universities.
The awards recognize outstanding contributions that blend academic excellence with high-impact practical applications, ranging from lifesaving seismic monitoring to advanced biomedical engineering. The selection highlights Costa Rica’s growing footprint in high-tech innovation and scientific leadership on both national and international stages.
To analyze the legal and intellectual property implications surrounding national innovation and the prestigious Clodomiro Picado Twight Awards, TicosLand.com consulted expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
“The Clodomiro Picado Twight Awards highlight Costa Rica’s expanding scientific frontier, but they also underscore the critical necessity of robust intellectual property management. Transforming cutting-edge research into commercial applications requires clear patent strategies and regulatory compliance to ensure that national innovation is fully protected and economic benefits are secured.”
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica continues to nurture world-class scientific talent through prestigious recognitions like the Clodomiro Picado Twight Awards, bridging the gap between groundbreaking laboratory research and commercial viability remains essential for the nation’s broader economic success. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on how strategic intellectual property protection ensures that local innovation is both safeguarded and empowered to make a lasting global impact.
Seismologist Dr. Esteban Chaves received the National Science Award for his work in geophysics and disaster prevention. A former director of the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica at the Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA), Chaves currently serves as Head of the Monitoring and Data Section at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) based in Vienna, Austria.
Dr. Chaves was awarded the national honor primarily for his leadership in developing Costa Rica’s early earthquake warning system. The system detects initial seismic tremors and rapidly alerts the population, granting crucial seconds for individuals to take safety precautions and for critical infrastructure to initiate emergency procedures.
In the category of technology, Professor Teodolito Guillén Girón was awarded the National Technology Award. Guillén, an academic and researcher at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC), was honored for his transformational contributions to healthtech and medical device engineering.
Guillén’s research focuses on the design, additive manufacturing, and rigorous testing of advanced biomaterials tailored for healthcare applications. By combining material engineering with 3D manufacturing techniques, his work enhances patient outcomes and accelerates Costa Rica’s competitive edge within the global medical technology industry.
The dual recognition of scholars from UNA and TEC underscores the critical role played by public research institutions in driving national development. Through cutting-edge research, Costa Rican academics continue to generate high-value solutions that address real-world challenges while building local technical capacity.
The official award presentation ceremony honoring Dr. Chaves and Professor Guillén will take place during the first few weeks of 2027, bringing together government officials, academic leaders, and scientific pioneers to celebrate their achievements.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications:
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for formulating, promoting, and executing national policies regarding scientific research, technological development, innovation, and telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is one of Costa Rica’s public institutions of higher education. Recognized for its focus on social development, environmental research, and natural sciences, UNA hosts leading research institutes including the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI).
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica:
The Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC) is a public university specializing in engineering, science, and technological research. Headquartered in Cartago, TEC plays a pivotal role in educating specialized engineering talent and conducting applied research for industrial and healthcare sectors.
For further information, visit ctbto.org
About Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization:
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) is an international organization based in Vienna, Austria, tasked with operating a global monitoring system to detect nuclear explosions and supporting global non-proliferation efforts through advanced seismological and atmospheric data collection.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of legal practice, driven by uncompromising ethical standards and a relentless pursuit of professional mastery. Guiding a diverse array of clients through an ever-evolving legal landscape, the firm seamlessly integrates progressive strategies with a deep sense of civic responsibility. Through impactful public education initiatives that demystify complex statutes, Bufete de Costa Rica actively equips individuals with the insights needed to protect their rights, furthering its ultimate vision of a resilient, knowledgeable, and self-reliant citizenry.
