Abelardo De La Espriella Names Claudia Benavides Salazar Science Minister

Benavides was chosen via the Banco de Talentos (Talent Bank), a digital platform launched by De La Espriella’s incoming administration to identify professionals based on merit, academic qualifications, and experience, rather than political connections. De La Espriella stated that almost 300,000 Colombians had registered on the platform, and that after two interviews with her, he decided to appoint her, emphasizing the unconventional process.

The Talent Pool Selection Process

The Banco de Talentos became a central mechanism for De La Espriella’s government, aiming to reduce political patronage. Over hundreds of thousands of Colombians registered, and Benavides was selected after two interviews. De La Espriella described the process as a selection based on merit, academic preparation, and experience, aligning with his campaign pledge to govern with “los nunca”—individuals outside traditional political circles. This approach contrasts with past administrations, where appointments often relied on party loyalty.

The president-elect defended the process, stating that the renovation was not an attempt to build a White House in the Caribbean, as some had suggested, but that the building already existed, had been there for many years, and its neoclassical architecture was part of a style present in many historical buildings in Barranquilla and around the world. This response addressed concerns about the renovation of a historic building in Barranquilla, which will serve as the ministry’s new headquarters.

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Benavides’ Professional Background

Benavides, an industrial engineer from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, holds a master’s in Creativity and Innovation and a doctorate in Competitiveness, Innovation, and Sustainability from the Universidad de Deusto. With 25 years of experience, she has led Incubar Manizales, an incubator for tech startups, and previously directed the Fundación Universidad-Empresa-Estado del Eje Cafetero. Her career spans academia, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships, positioning her as a technocratic figure aligned with De La Espriella’s focus on innovation.

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Her appointment includes a mandate to restore trust in scientists, reconfigure the national science and technology system, and ensure that knowledge successfully protects communities and is effectively transferred to the productive sector, as outlined in official statements. This aligns with broader goals to boost Colombia’s research investment, which currently stands at a small percentage of GDP, aiming to reach 1% through public and private collaboration.

Reactions and Institutional Context

While De La Espriella’s team highlights the non-traditional nature of the appointment, some observers note that his cabinet still includes figures from established political circles. For instance, the Interior Minister, Rodrigo Lara Restrepo, has a long legislative career, and the Transport Minister, Elsa Noguera, is linked to the Char political family in Barranquilla. This tension between rhetoric and practice has been noted in analyses of the new administration.

The president-elect emphasized that the new ministry’s headquarters in Barranquilla will symbolize authority and institutional presence in the country’s regions. Atlántico’s governor, Eduardo Verano, said, according to elcolombiano.com, that true decentralization is budgetary.

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The appointment also coincides with De La Espriella’s plans to hold his presidential inauguration in Cali on August 7, 2026—a first for a Colombian leader.

Challenges Ahead

Benavides faces significant challenges, including rebuilding trust within Colombia’s scientific community and aligning the national research agenda with economic priorities. Her ability to bridge academia, industry, and government will be critical. She stated that she was taking on the challenge of restoring trust in scientists, reconfiguring the national science and technology system, and ensuring that knowledge successfully protects communities and is effectively transferred to the productive sector.

With her appointment, De La Espriella’s government seeks to position science as a driver of national development. As the new administration takes shape, the coming months will test whether merit-based governance can translate into meaningful reform.