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Former Royal Society of Biology Scientist Found Murdered in Colombia
Authorities are investigating the gruesome murder of Alessandro Coatti, a former senior science policy officer at the prestigious Royal Society of Biology. The molecular biologist’s dismembered remains were discovered in a suitcase discarded in a stream in Santa Marta, a city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Dismembered Body Discovered
Police reports indicate that only the head, hands, and feet of Alessandro Coatti, 42, have been recovered so far. The search continues for his torso and other missing body parts. Coatti had a distinguished career, having served at the Royal Society of Biology since April 2017. His LinkedIn profile details his roles, initially as a science policy officer and subsequently, for the last six years, as a senior science policy officer.
Career at Royal Society of Biology and Academia
Before his tenure at the Royal Society of Biology, an organization dedicated to advancing biology across academia, industry, education, and research, Coatti was a neuroscience researcher at University College London. Originally from Italy, his background was in molecular biology.
Reward Offered for Information
Carlos Pinedo Cuello, the Mayor of Santa Marta, has pledged a substantial reward of £10,000 for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible for Coatti’s brutal killing.
In a statement released late yesterday, Mayor Pinedo Cuello affirmed, “I have instructed the authorities to collaborate fully to solve the death of the Italian citizen Alessandro Coatti.”
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“We are offering a reward of fifty million Colombian pesos for information that will enable us to identify and capture those accountable.”
“This crime will not remain unpunished. Criminals should understand that criminality has no sanctuary in Santa Marta. We will pursue them relentlessly until justice is served.”
Last Known Movements
Mr. Coatti, who was lodging at a hostel in Santa Marta’s historic center, was last seen leaving the premises on Friday. It is believed he was vacationing in the region. Children reportedly discovered his remains on Sunday.
The location of the discovery is near a road leading to the Sierra Nevada football stadium, a venue for the 2017 Bolivarian Games and home to the Union Magdalena football club.
Identification was reportedly facilitated by a hotel wristband found on one of the recovered body parts.
Parliamentary Involvement and Royal Society of Biology Statement
Alessandro Coatti was part of the Royal Society of Biology delegation that addressed Parliament in June 2022 regarding the prospective regulation of UK genetic technologies.
The Royal Society of Biology issued a statement expressing their profound grief: “Alessandro Coatti, known to us as Ale, dedicated 8 years to the Royal Society of Biology.”
“He was an ardent and committed scientist, spearheading the RSB’s animal science initiatives, authoring numerous submissions, organizing events, and providing expert testimony in the House of Commons.”
“He departed RSB at the close of 2024 to volunteer in Ecuador and travel throughout South America. We are utterly shocked and devastated. Ale will be profoundly missed by all who knew and collaborated with him. Our deepest sympathies are with his friends and family during this incredibly tragic time.”
Possible Paramilitary Link Under Investigation
Colombian news outlets have reported the presence of a paramilitary group, the Autodefensas Conquistadores de la Sierra Nevada, operating in the bustling port city of Santa Marta.
This organization had suspended peace negotiations with the Colombian government on the same day the UK-based scientist was last seen departing his accommodation.
Their activities are reportedly funded through drug trafficking and extortion. However, at this juncture, there is no indication suggesting a connection between this criminal entity and Mr. Coatti’s disappearance and murder.
While authorities publicly announced the discovery of his body yesterday, the grim finding was made on Sunday.
The scientist is believed to have arrived in Santa Marta, Colombia’s oldest Spanish settlement, on Thursday, the day before he went missing.
Jaime Rios Puerto of the Santa Marta Metropolitan Police confirmed that Coatti had no known links to criminal activities and no record of prior threats.
“He was a visitor, a scientist, with no suspicious associations,” Puerto stated.
Minca Inquiry
A staff member at the unnamed hostel where Mr. Coatti was staying informed police that he had repeatedly inquired about routes to Minca, a location approximately 45 minutes by road from Santa Marta.
Minca, described as the ‘ecological capital’ of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is a popular destination for jungle trekking, adventure activities, and waterfalls.
An English-language travel website addresses visitor safety in the region, stating: “The common question we are asked is, ‘Is Minca safe?'”
“Minca was originally guerrilla territory and was inaccessible to everyone except locals.”
“Following ceasefires by paramilitary and guerrilla groups in recent years, Minca was only recently ‘discovered’ by backpackers in the last eight years and subsequently opened to visitors.”
“It is not exclusively for backpackers; it offers something for all travelers.”
“And to answer your question, we have never received any reports or concerns about safety in Minca Magdalena.”
However, another traveler, writing on a Spanish-language blog last month, offered a more cautious perspective: “I visited in 2023 and it was excellent, provided you were careful in certain areas.”
“The truth is, I have heard that it has deteriorated, although I am unsure to what extent.”
Coatti’s Professional Background
Mr. Coatti’s social media profile described him as a ‘driven and enthusiastic senior professional with over seven years of experience influencing public policy through science,’ as well as ‘a big picture thinker and creative problem solver.’
On LinkedIn, he elaborated: “I am a trained biologist (molecular & cellular biologist, with 5+ years of research experience in neuroscience), who has worked in science policy for the past 6+ years.”
“My most recent work has been within the UK science policy ecosystem, where I interacted with and managed relationships with diverse stakeholders: learned societies, scientific academies, industry, regulatory bodies, government departments (including senior leadership and ministers), and parliament.”
“My focus has been specifically on ethical research and innovation topics, particularly in the animal and biomedical sectors.”
His professional history includes over a year as a staff research associate at the Medical Research Council between 2010 and 2011.
From September 2011 to June 2013, he was a postgraduate researcher in neuroscience at University College London.
In a February 2022 interview published on the Royal Society of Biology website, he discussed his transition to policy work: “There are two primary aspects – one is my enduring passion for science, and the other is a newfound enthusiasm for community building and stakeholder engagement. I have discovered a genuine liking for the mediation and negotiation aspects of the role. It requires listening to individuals with differing viewpoints and striving to comprehend their perspectives, their interests, and how to achieve consensus.”
In October of last year, he spoke about his work at the Royal Society of Biology and his career path for an Offspring Magazine podcast.