DAAD Centennial Podcast Highlights Dr. Luis Pocasangre as a Change Agent in Latin America

• DAAD Secretary General Highlights the Impact of CATIE’s Director General in the Region
  
  
  

As part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), its Secretary General, Dr. Kai Sicks, highlighted the inspiring story of Dr. Luis Pocasangre, current Director General of CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), in a special commemorative podcast.

During the episode, Dr. Sicks recognized Dr. Pocasangre as a change agent in the region, emphasizing the impact that his education as a DAAD scholarship recipient has had on his career and on agricultural and environmental development in Latin America.

For Dr. Sicks, one of the most remarkable moments of the podcast was Dr. Pocasangre’s testimony, in which he shared how his experience as a DAAD scholar was a turning point in his life and professional career. His time in the German academic system not only enriched his knowledge but also strengthened his commitment to science, sustainability, and education in the region.

"My experience with DAAD changed my life. It not only opened doors for me in the academic and professional spheres but also provided me with the tools to drive significant changes in research and sustainable agricultural development in Latin America," shared Dr. Pocasangre.

From his leadership at CATIE, Dr. Pocasangre promotes initiatives that strengthen innovation, education, and applied research in tropical agriculture and climate change. His story reflects the impact that programs like DAAD can have on global development.

In this context, the European Association for International Education (EAIE) has played a key role in disseminating this episode, promoting its reach among academic networks and higher education professionals across Europe and beyond. EAIE, recognized for its work in the internationalization of education, highlights the importance of stories like that of Dr. Pocasangre, which exemplify how global academic opportunities can drive structural changes in different regions of the world.

In addition to the recognition of Dr. Pocasangre, the podcast also featured Dr. Dorothee Weyler, Director of DAAD’s regional office in Nairobi, who shared her experience in promoting higher education in East Africa.

Listen to the Full Podcast

This special episode of the DAAD centennial podcast is an invitation to explore how education and international cooperation can transform lives and regions. Listen to the full episode here. here.