Celebrating Success in the Iberoamerican Biology Olympiad

Diego Ruiz Valdez and Ángel Salinas Mendoza, students from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, represented Mexico at a gathering of young talents from 15 countries in Havana, Cuba.

After more than eight hours of competition, Diego Ruiz Valdez and Ángel Salinas Mendoza brought pride to the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) and Mexico at the 2024 Ibero-American Biology Olympiad.

The recent graduates of Preparatoria 7 and the Escuela y Preparatoria Técnica Médica at UANL earned silver and bronze medals at the event in Havana, Cuba.

This annual competition gathered high school graduates from 15 countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal, and the Dominican Republic.

“I wish I could have won more, but I’m really happy to have achieved this while representing the University. Being in the Olympiad is amazing. You meet a lot of new people who challenge you, and you also push yourself because you have to work really hard.”

Diego Ruiz Valdez
UANL School of Economics

The 17th Ibero-American Biology Olympiad took place in Cuba from September 8 to 13, 2024. The Mexican delegation included Diego Ruiz Valdez and Ángel Salinas Mendoza from UANL, Diego Ledezma Gallegos from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), and Omar Oros Díaz from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH). The team brought home one silver and three bronze medals.

Congratulating University Talents

In a meeting with UANL President Santos Guzmán López, the students had the opportunity to discuss their professional futures. Diego mentioned that he is now part of the School of Economics, where he aims to continue his academic achievements.

For his part, Ángel shared that he will continue his university education at the School of Medicine, where he hopes to apply his knowledge of biology to improve human health.

UANL President Santos Guzmán congratulated them for their effort and commitment, emphasizing the importance of continuing to support science among students, who will be responsible for tackling future challenges.

“We are very proud of Diego and Ángel. Their success reflects the effort, dedication, and talent present in our students, demonstrating that with hard work and passion, great achievements are possible.”

Santos Guzman Lopez
UANL President