We are pleased to introduce Álvaro Manrique Flórez, who as of July 1, 2023 assumed the Administrative Direction of the Center of Excellence in Marine Sciences – CEMarin.  

Alvaro is a professional in International Relations and Political Science from Universidad del Rosario in Bogota, and has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Universitá Degli Studi Tor Vergata in Rome, Italy and studies in Project Management.  He has more than 12 years of national and international work experience in organizations and entities of the public, private and multilateral sectors, working in management, coordination and project management, administrative, financial, technical and human talent processes. 

Álvaro told us a little about his professional career and his personal interests: “Throughout my professional career I have had the opportunity to work on economic, social and territorial development issues, as well as in the coordination of technical megaprojects at the national level, from where I have been able to contribute to the strengthening of capacities and opportunities in terms of access to resources, competitiveness, education and access to land for the social sectors that most need support in the country. Since I was a child I have been passionate about the preservation, conservation and admiration of nature, music, languages, travel, sports and  learning.”

Regarding his expectation about his new position as CEMarin’s Administrative Director, Álvaro said “…I perceive this new challenge as an exciting possibility to create, support and contribute to the execution and administration of collaborative research projects that can contribute to the protection and sustainability of our resources and oceans, generaing a positive impact on society… Upon my arrival at CEMarin I have found a team full of strengths, talents and capabilities that genuinely puts its commitment to the service of the network of reseachers member universities and nartional and international partners. In my role as a new Administrative Director, I hope to be able to amplify the talents and strengths of all our collaborators, while ensuring the further development of the inter-institutional and international cooperation netwok led by this Corporation.”

For his part, CEMarin’s Executive Director, Dr. Andrés Osorio, wanted to leave a message of welcome to Álvaro “we are excited about the opportunity to work with Álvaro Manrique, whom we received with enthusiasm in the CEMarin team. His professionl profile stands out for his extensive technical and human competencies and skillls… During this period, we have been able to notice his commitment, dedication and knowlegde in each task. His human quality, demonstrated in his understanding of everyone’s needs, is highly appreciated. On behalf of all the leading universities and members of CEMarin, we offer him a warm welcome and wish much success in his new role wihin the Corporation.” 

On behalf of the entire CEMarin team, we extend our best wishes to Álvaro in his new role as this new stage begins for him in the organization.