Bio
With a career spanning research, art, and international consultancy, Sebastián León-Giraldo demonstrates how passion and profession can work together to build a better future.
Sebastián León-Giraldo is a visual artist and academic whose professional and academic trajectory covers various disciplines, significantly contributing to studies on development and public policies. With a master’s degree in Public Policy and in the final stage of his PhD in Development Studies, Sebastián has dedicated more than a decade to research using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies on critical issues such as health, education, violence and conflict, peacebuilding, and poverty reduction.
His experience includes participation in over 10 research projects, addressing complex public problems with a multidisciplinary approach that integrates his skills as a visual artist with research capabilities. He has collaborated with prestigious institutions and organizations such as Universidad de los Andes, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Together for Girls, among others, demonstrating his ability to contribute to the design and implementation of research projects, as well as in the evaluation and monitoring of significant social projects.
A highlight of his career is the coordination of the Ten-Year Public Health Plan 2022-2031 from Universidad de los Andes, during which he also led an art exhibition with a participatory component, evidencing his commitment to uniting art and science for social improvement. His collaborative work extends to international research projects with partners in the United States, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Ghana, and Italy, showcasing his profile as a global professional. Additionally, his work in human rights and in participatory action research projects highlights his commitment to methods that not only seek to understand social reality but also transform it, working hand in hand with communities and promoting change through active participation and sometimes, through art.
His commitment to social change has also stood out in the educational field. He designed and taught the ‘Art and Activism’ course at Universidad de los Andes, making a difference in how students perceive the intersection of art with social change. Moreover, he contributed to the design of cutting-edge courses such as ‘Using Data for Global Health Decision Making’ and the ‘Global Health Diplomacy Course’ of the Open to Health certificate, funded by Open Society, in collaboration with Universidad de los Andes and the European University Institute. These educational initiatives highlight his ability to merge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students to face global challenges with an innovative perspective.
Sebastián León-Giraldo’s career is distinguished by his innovative approach and dedication to using art and research to address and solve complex social problems.