Luis Alberto Espinola | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Luis Alberto Espinola | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luis Alberto Espinola, National Institute of Limnogy, Argentina

Dr. Luis Alberto Espínola is an Independent Researcher at the National Institute of Limnology (INALI-CONICET-UNL) in Santa Fe, Argentina. With a PhD in Ecology of Aquatic Continental Waters from Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Brazil, his work focuses on the structure and functioning of freshwater ecosystems, particularly rivers and wetlands in South America. He has held various research positions at INALI and is currently pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Dr. Espínola’s expertise lies in limnology, biodiversity, and hydroecology, contributing to the sustainable management of inland water resources.

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Summary:

Dr. Luis Alberto EspĂ­nola is a leading Argentinian researcher with a distinguished background in limnology and freshwater ecology. His scientific contributions address vital environmental issues such as extreme drought, invasive species, and ecohydrological management of fisheries. His commitment to the study and preservation of South America’s freshwater ecosystems is evident through his prolific publication record and long-standing role at INALI.

🎓 Education

Luis Alberto Espínola holds a strong academic background in aquatic ecology and biological sciences. He is currently pursuing a Post-Doctorate in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNRIO), expected to complete in January 2026. Previously, he completed a Post-Doctorate at the National Institute of Limnology (INALI), affiliated with the National University of Litoral (UNL), between April 2009 and August 2012. He earned his PhD in Ecology of Aquatic Continental Waters from Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Brazil, from September 2005 to March 2009. Prior to that, he obtained his Master’s degree in the same field at UEM, where he studied from March 2004 to August 2005. His foundational academic journey began with a degree in Biodiversity from the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences at the Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), completed in February 2003, where he received an honorary distinction.

đź’ĽExperience

Luis Alberto EspĂ­nola has extensive experience in aquatic ecology research through his long-standing association with the National Institute of Limnology (INALI-CONICET-UNL) in Santa Fe, Argentina. He has served as an Independent Researcher since June 2022. Previously, he held the position of Adjunct Researcher from April 2017 to May 2022 and Assistant Researcher from August 2012 to March 2017. His work has consistently focused on the Hydroecology Laboratory, contributing to the development of knowledge on continental aquatic systems.

🔬Research Focus

Luis Alberto Espínola’s research primarily centers on the ecology of continental aquatic environments. His studies explore the structure and dynamics of freshwater ecosystems, with particular attention to hydroecological processes, biodiversity, and environmental changes in riverine and limnic systems. His work contributes significantly to understanding the ecological health and sustainability of inland waters, making him a key contributor to South American limnological research.

🛠️Skills

EspĂ­nola possesses deep expertise in limnology, aquatic ecosystem functioning, freshwater biodiversity, and ecological research methodologies. His skill set includes the design and implementation of field and laboratory studies, ecological data analysis, scientific writing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His knowledge is enriched by international academic exposure and a solid grounding in South American freshwater systems.

🏆Awards

Among his academic achievements, EspĂ­nola was awarded an honorary distinction upon graduation for his degree in Biodiversity from the Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), reflecting his academic excellence and dedication to the biological sciences.

đź“š Publications

  • Title: Impact of Extreme Droughts on Fish Assemblages in a Large South American Floodplain River
    Author: EspĂ­nola, Luis Alberto
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Ecohydrology

  • Title: Application of ecohydrological criteria for the management of fisheries in the middle Paraná River (Argentina) during extreme low water levels
    Author: EspĂ­nola, Luis Alberto
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Ecohydrology

  • Title: Fractal characteristics of the middle reach of the Paraná River floodplain during extreme hydrological events
    Author: EspĂ­nola, Luis Alberto
    Year: 2023
    Journal: River Research and Applications

  • Title: Increased geographical distribution and richness of non-native freshwater fish species in Argentina: evidence from a literature review
    Author: EspĂ­nola, Luis Alberto
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Biological Invasions

  • Title: Brazil’s leading environmental agency and aquatic biodiversity threatened by federal decree
    Author: EspĂ­nola, Luis Alberto
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Anais da Academia Brasileira de CiĂŞncias

Conclusion:

Dr. Luis Alberto EspĂ­nola is a highly deserving and well-qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His combination of academic excellence, impactful research, and commitment to regional ecological issues positions him strongly for this recognition. Expanding his global scientific presence and leadership in large-scale projects would further enhance his stature in the international research community.

Sandra HervĂ­as-Parejo | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Sandra Hervias-Parejo | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sandra Hervias Parejo, CSIC-UIB – Instituto Mediterraneo de Estudios Avanzados , Spain

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sandra Hervías-Parejo is a postdoctoral researcher at the Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB) in Spain, specializing in ecosystem restoration, invasive species, and island ecology. With a PhD in Ecology from the University of Murcia, she has led and contributed to numerous international research projects addressing biodiversity loss and global change. Her work, published in top scientific journals, is widely recognized for its policy impact and commitment to open science. Dr. Hervías-Parejo is also active in science communication, mentoring, and promoting gender equity in research.

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Summary:

Dr. Sandra HervĂ­as-Parejo is an accomplished and highly regarded researcher in the field of ecology, with a special focus on conservation science. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership in both research and education, with numerous contributions to understanding and mitigating ecological threats. Her interdisciplinary work, international collaborations, and innovative research in island ecosystems make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Sandra HervĂ­as-Parejo holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of Murcia, Spain, awarded in 2014. She earned an MSc in Invasive Species Management from the same university in 2009. In addition, she holds a Certificate in Teaching Skills from the University of Granada, completed in 2006, and a Degree in Biology obtained through studies at the University of Granada and the University of La Laguna de Tenerife in 2004.

đź’ĽExperience

Sandra is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Global Change Research department at IMEDEA (UIB-CSIC), Spain, under an ERC Advanced Grant led by Dr. A. Traveset since November 2022. Her earlier roles include a Vicenç Mut postdoctoral fellowship at the Balearic Islands Government (CAIB) from August 2020 to July 2022, and a postdoctoral contract at IMEDEA from September 2018 to July 2020, which she left upon receiving the fellowship. She also held a postdoctoral research position at the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos from February 2016 to August 2017.

🔬Research Focus

Sandra has published 40 articles in SCI-indexed journals, with 90% led or conceptualized by her. Her research has significantly influenced conservation policies and practices, and all her recent publications are open access to promote transparency. She has played an active role in 14 international research projects, leading two of them, and collaborates with researchers from over 20 countries. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally, and she regularly participates in European scientific groups, academic committees, and peer reviews for over 22 scientific journals.

🛠️Skills

Her expertise spans ecosystem restoration, food-webs, global change biology, invasive alien species, island ecology, keystone species, multilayer ecological networks, and functional traits. Sandra’s work is highly interdisciplinary and addresses urgent ecological issues, with a strong emphasis on applied conservation and biodiversity protection, particularly in vulnerable island ecosystems.

🏆Awards

Sandra’s projects have received both national and international funding, earning accolades for their innovation and societal relevance. She is dedicated to science communication, appearing on TV and radio, publishing popular science content, and developing educational materials. A strong advocate for gender equity, she works to inspire the next generation through outreach and mentoring.

đź“š Publications

Title: On the structure of species-function participation in multilayer ecological networks
Year: 2024
Authors: Hervías-Parejo S., Cuevas-Blanco M., Lacasa L., Melián C.J., Eguíluz V.M.
Journal: Nature Communications

Title: Vertebrates can be more important pollinators than invertebrates on islands: the case of Malva (=Lavatera) arborea L.
Year: 2024
Authors: Robles C., Romero-Egea V., Traveset A., Ruiz de Ybáñez M.R., Hervías-Parejo S.
Journal: AoB PLANTS

Title: Gulls contribute to olive seed dispersal within and among islands in a Mediterranean coastal area
Year: 2024
Authors: Ando H., Martin-Velez V., Tavecchia G., MartĂ­nez-AbraĂ­n A., HervĂ­as-Parejo S.
Journal: Journal of Biogeography

Conclusion:

Dr. Sandra Hervías-Parejo’s exceptional academic contributions, leadership in international research projects, and commitment to public engagement make her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to lead cutting-edge research and influence conservation policies is highly commendable, and she has consistently demonstrated a profound impact on both the scientific community and society.