Rosa Martha Pérez Gutiérrez | Metal Matrix Composites | Breakthrough Research Award

Dr. Rosa Martha Pérez Gutiérrez is a distinguished Mexican scientist with a lifelong dedication to biological sciences, pharmacognosy, and natural product research. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) between 1961 and 1964, and later completed her Doctorate in Biological Sciences at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco in 1997, graduating with the Medal of Merit and recognition as the first doctoral graduate of her program. Over her illustrious career, she has served in prominent teaching and research roles across several prestigious institutions, including the Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Universidad La Salle, and IPN’s Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Química e Industrias Extractivas (ESIQIE), where she continues as Head of the Natural Products Research Laboratory. Dr. Pérez Gutiérrez has made remarkable contributions as a professor of Organic Chemistry, Phytochemistry, and Toxicology, and has organized and presented numerous national and international courses and conferences on mass spectrometry, environmental contamination, and bioactive compounds. Her pioneering research, supported by CONACYT and other agencies, has explored natural antioxidants, antidiabetic and anti-obesity agents, and the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with biomedical applications. She has authored and coordinated various scientific projects focused on Mexican medicinal plants, marine organisms, and phytochemicals, contributing significantly to pharmacological innovation. Beyond her research, she has served on editorial boards of leading journals such as Pharmacognosy Magazine and Pharmacognosy Research and participated in national scientific committees and award juries. Her international influence is reflected through invited lectures in Poland and Spain, highlighting her role as a global ambassador of Mexican natural product science. Through her academic excellence and pioneering spirit, Dr. Pérez Gutiérrez has become a trailblazer and mentor in biological and pharmaceutical research in Latin America.