Hannia Bridg

Bringing together science, business, and society has been the guiding thread of Dr. Hannia Bridg’s career. With a strong foundation in biology, agriculture, and biotechnology, she has dedicated her professional life to transforming research into practical, market-ready solutions that advance sustainable development and improve health systems. Her work spans from tropical agriculture and food security to genetics, rare diseases, and integrative medicine, always with a focus on building international bridges between Europe and Latin America.

Hannia began her scientific journey in Colombia, studying biology at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, where she specialized in phytochemistry, plant physiology, and medicinal plants. This early focus on biodiversity and traditional knowledge laid the groundwork for her lifelong interest in linking plant-based research with human health. She later deepened her expertise with a PhD (Dr. rer. agr.) in Plant Biotechnology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, focusing on the micropropagation and genetic identification of tropical and subtropical fruit species (Annona cherimola and Annona muricata). Her doctoral work connected plant science with food production, resilience, and nutrition security—an area that continues to inform her perspective today.

Her postdoctoral and industrial research career in Germany gave her extensive experience as an industrial scientist in plant biotechnology and genetics. At SunGene – a BASF Plant Science Company, she led teams in molecular plant transformation, genetic analysis, and biosafety, developing transgenic plants for agriculture and industrial applications. Later at Phytowelt, she worked on genome analysis within the GABI program in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute, contributing to biotechnology research with applications for sustainable agriculture and industrial processes. These years in applied science grounded her in the realities of innovation pipelines, regulatory frameworks, and industry standards. In parallel, Hannia began expanding into health and medicine, bridging her agricultural background with human well-being. At Centogene, she served as Regional Manager for Latin America, positioning the company as a leader in genetic diagnostics for rare diseases across the region. Her work combined business development, stakeholder engagement, and patient access, highlighting her ability to translate complex science into solutions with social impact. She later completed specialized training as an Expert in Clinical Genetics at the University of Valencia, collaborating with clinicians, patients, and families to improve access to genetic counseling and testing. This dual expertise in plant-based biotechnology and medical genetics has shaped her integrative perspective on health, food systems, and innovation.

With time, her trajectory expanded toward consulting, strategy, and science diplomacy. As the founder of Bridg-Networking Consultancy. As the founder of Bridg-Networking Consultancy n Berlin, Hannia supports research institutions, companies, and start-ups—particularly from emerging economies—in accessing European markets. Her consultancy offers expertise in internationalization strategies, regulatory compliance, quality standards, and business development in the life sciences and bioeconomy. She works closely with partners in Latin America, Europe, and Africa, helping to transform scientific innovations into sustainable and commercially viable products.

Hannia is also active in network-building and science communication. Since 2018, she has served as a Science and Technology Ambassador for the City of Berlin (Brain City Berlin), promoting international cooperation, partnerships, and innovation exchange. She mentors women scientists and entrepreneurs from Africa and Latin America, supporting knowledge transfer and capacity building. She is the creator and host of the EmpreScience Podcast, a platform that gives visibility to scientists and innovators from emerging economies and strengthens cooperation with Europe.

Her commitment to integrative medicine and biodiversity knowledge has led her to contribute to the European Society of Integrative Medicine (ESIM), where she supports project management, international outreach, and science communication. In collaboration with the Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine (CCCTIM), she advances initiatives that highlight the role of traditional and complementary medicine (TCIM), medicinal plants, and biodiversity as part of evidence-based healthcare solutions. This work resonates with her academic roots in phytochemistry and tropical agriculture while connecting to global health agendas and the One Health approach.

Throughout her career, Hannia has also strengthened her profile with training in business, negotiation, and agile project management at leading institutions such as Yale University, ESCP Europe, and Universidad de los Andes. She holds certifications in project management and agile frameworks (Scrum), reflecting her ability to combine scientific expertise with organizational and strategic skills.

Today, Hannia describes her role as that of a Science-to-Business Strategist in Life Sciences & Bioeconomy. Her work unites consulting, networking, scientific communication, and international project development, bridging agriculture, food security, and health with business innovation and societal needs. From supporting the market entry of sustainable life science products to advancing knowledge on medicinal plants and integrative medicine, she continues to embody her mission: connecting science, innovation, and business strategically for global impact.