Sonia Reyes Gómez

Sonia Esperanza Reyes Gómez holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Industrial University of Santander - UIS, as well as a master's degree and doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico - UNAM; with over 15 years of experience in R&D&i, specifically in the areas of chemical and mechanical recycling of polymeric materials, production and characterization of biomaterials, and synthesis and metrics in green chemistry. In 2021 she joined the Plastic and Rubber Training and Research Institute-ICIPC to carry out a postdoctoral stay with a Minciencias scholarship (Call No. 891 of 2020). During her stay, she trained others, co-coordinated the Packaging Cluster, and directed and executed R&D projects focused on sustainability, recycling, and the valorization of plastic waste. These projects received funding from prestigious international organizations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), as well as national entities like Colombia Productiva. Currently, as an External Associate Research Consultant at ICIPC, she supports companies in developing innovative solutions through research and strengthening their sustainability strategies to accelerate their transition to the circular economy.

She is a full member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD, Colombian National Chapter), a core member of the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, a member of the ACS Division of Polymer Chemistry – POLY, and an honorary member of the Colombian Association of Chemical Engineering and Related Professions, Atlantic Chapter – ACIQCA. She has been recognized with the I National Award for Contribution to Colombian Chemical Engineering in 2023 by the Professional Council of Chemical Engineering of Colombia – CPIQ, and the Epic Women Award 2022 in the Engineering category by the Level Magazine in alliance with WebCongress.

Her areas of expertise include polymeric materials, green chemistry, olefin metathesis, organometallic catalysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and scientific dissemination. As an engineering teacher and researcher, she expertly evaluates projects, journal articles, and scientific events. Author of scientific publications and speaker at national and international events. Passionate about promoting sustainability in the plastics industry and fostering collaboration within the sector.