Arturo Maldonado

Arturo, a student from Guatemala, is a rising star in global science and space innovation. With more than 25 national and international distinctions in maths, physics, programming and astronomy– including a top 10 global at the International Olympiad IAAC – he is already a leading scientific voice for his generation.

Arturo’s journey began with a childhood fascination with space. By age five, he was questioning about black holes, and by his teens, he was representing Guatemala in Olympiads across Latin America and beyond. His national and international experience includes notable competitions such as the Ibero-American Mathematics Olympiad, the Latin American Astronomy competition, the Mesoamerican Physics contest, and a regional "Copa América" programming tournament. Additionally, he was named an Rising Star of the Space Industry by the National Space Society of the United States.

His impact, however, extends far beyond personal achievement. Arturo is the National Coordinator of both the Guatemalan Astronomy Olympiad and Beyondsight, an interactive science outreach platform that delivers engaging content, stargazing events, and educational materials to youth across the country. 

He also serves as a mentor for the United Space School and coach for national Olympiad teams in Mathematics and Astronomy, helping young Guatemalans discover and pursue their passion for science. In 2024, he led the Guatemalan team as coach, which earned three honorable mentions at the OLAA Astronomy Olympiad.

In the same year, he was also part of a global team that discovered nine new asteroids through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration. He’s also developing a space AI assistant to optimise resources during long-duration missions – research he presented at the 2025 International Space Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. Arturo is actively involved with the Space Generation Advisory Council, serving as a delegate to its congresses in Italy and France.

Arturo’s advocacy centres on building systems for youth to access science. He is currently working to establish Guatemala’s first national science academy for Olympiad students and space enthusiasts. His model – drawing from initiatives like “Young Talents El Salvador” – would unify science programs across disciplines and provide mentorship, facilities, and community for students traditionally excluded from scientific opportunity. Additionally, he will soon lead a Central American scientific cooperation network aimed at increasing his community’s presence in international events and promoting research development in the region.

Overcoming social and physical barriers, Arturo’s story is one of perseverance and faith. He sees science as a divine gift – one that transforms both knowledge and character. “Through science, God transformed my life. Now, through me, He transforms the lives of many others,” Arturo says.

With deep humility and big dreams, Arturo is proving that youth from underserved regions can not only enter global conversations in STEM – they can lead them. He is creating not just scientific breakthroughs, but a cultural shift that celebrates curiosity, collaboration, and courage. For Arturo, science is more than a discipline – it is a mission.