Mrs. María José Montaño Zuñiga
l Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. María José Montaño Zuñiga is a dedicated psychologist and independent researcher recognized for her strong leadership, communication, and commitment to social transformation, mental health, and human rights advocacy. A graduate in Psychology from Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bogotá, she also holds advanced certifications in Forensic Psychology, Suicide Prevention and Intervention, and Psychological First Aid, complemented by training from international institutions such as the Supreme Court of Justice of Mexico, UNICEF, and the Pan American Health Organization. Her professional journey spans diverse contexts—clinical, psychosocial, legal, and forensic—with significant contributions to the Defensoría del Pueblo, where she worked on human rights verification for incarcerated populations and the development of post-penitentiary psychosocial programs. She has presented research at national conferences, including the Congreso Colombiano de Psicología, and achieved first place at the VI Encuentro de Semilleros de Investigación for her study on post-penitentiary interventions. Her current research, accepted for publication in the Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice (Taylor & Francis, 2025), explores psychosocial, criminal, and penitentiary factors influencing ex-inmates’ attitudes toward crime. Through an international cultural exchange as an Au Pair in the United States (2024–2026), she continues to develop intercultural communication, adaptability, and child development competencies, embodying ethical, human-centered practice and a passion for transformative psychology.