Research Professor at Florida International University, United States
Dr. Javier Francisco-Ortega is a renowned plant systematist and tropical botanist affiliated with Florida International University and the Montgomery Botanical Center in Miami, Florida. With over three decades of experience in plant genetics, conservation, and biodiversity, he has worked globally, from Spain to the Caribbean. He has served as a professor, researcher, and editorial board member for several prestigious journals. Dr. Francisco-Ortega is widely recognized for his commitment to conservation education, especially in tropical regions. He also plays a significant role in professional societies and has helped organize international symposia and training programs throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Publication Profile
Orcid
Academic Background
Dr. Francisco-Ortega earned a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and an M.Sc. in Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources from the University of Birmingham in Great Britain. He holds a B.Sc. in Crop Production and Horticulture from Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos in Madrid, Spain. His academic path reflects a strong foundation in plant biology, conservation, and genetics, forming the basis for his distinguished research career. His international education has enabled him to collaborate across continents and contribute to the global scientific understanding of plant biodiversity and systematics.
Professional Background
Dr. Francisco-Ortega has held academic and research positions worldwide, including posts at the University of Reading, Ohio State University, and the University of Texas at Austin. At Florida International University, he has served as Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor in Plant Systematics since 1999. He is also a Kelly Research Fellow at the Montgomery Botanical Center. He was the Head of the Plant Molecular Systematics Lab at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. His experience spans tropical botany, genetics, and conservation, with a consistent emphasis on international education, mentoring, and scientific leadership.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Francisco-Ortega has held influential roles such as Council Member at Large for the American Society of Plant Taxonomists and Chair of the Karling Award Committee. He has served on NSF panels and boards for various botanical and conservation organizations. He is also a board member of the Cayes Botanic Garden in Haiti. His editorial work includes being Associate Editor for journals like Taxon and Systematic Botany. His numerous invitations as an instructor and course organizer underscore his recognition as a leader in tropical botany and molecular systematics across the Americas and Europe.
Research Focus
Dr. Francisco-Ortega’s research centers on plant systematics, molecular biology, and conservation genetics, particularly in tropical and island ecosystems. He focuses on endangered and endemic plant species of the Caribbean, Canary Islands, and Latin America. His work integrates molecular tools with historical and ecological perspectives to inform conservation strategies. Through mentoring and international collaborations, he advances biodiversity preservation and promotes research in underrepresented regions. His long-standing involvement with botanical gardens, academic institutions, and global conservation programs reflects a deep commitment to protecting plant diversity in fragile environments.
Publication Top Notes
📘 On the Macaronesian endemic woody spurge Euphorbia regis‐jubae Webb & Berthel. and eponyms honouring the Numidian King Juba II (48 BCE–23/24 CE)
📅 Year: 2025 | 🧾 Journal: Curtis’s Botanical Magazine
📘 David Fairchild as a naturalist and advocate for tropical biology research: his 1924 trip to Panama
📅 Year: 2025 | 🧾 Journal: Webbia
📘 Voyages of David Fairchild to Guatemala and Panama: An overview and the 1941 expedition
📅 Year: 2024 | 🧾 Journal: Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas
📘 Phylogenetic relationships of Cuban and Caribbean Plumeria (Apocynaceae) based on the plastid genome
📅 Year: 2023 | 🧾 Journal: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
Conclusion
Dr. Javier Francisco-Ortega is a distinguished botanist and academic with over three decades of impactful research in plant systematics, tropical botany, and conservation biology. With a robust academic background from the University of Birmingham and extensive professional experience at leading institutions such as Florida International University and the Montgomery Botanical Center, he has produced a prolific body of peer-reviewed publications dating back to the 1980s. His leadership roles in NSF-funded projects, editorial contributions to top scientific journals, and long-term service in professional societies underscore his standing in the scientific community. His commitment to education, international collaboration, and mentorship—especially for underrepresented groups—further highlights his global influence and makes him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.