Yudi Lozano | Microplastics | Women Researcher Award

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Mrs. Yudi Lozano | Microplastics | Women Researcher Award

Spanish National Research Council | Spain

Mrs. Yudi Lozano is an internationally recognized environmental ecologist whose research centers on plant–soil interactions under global change, with particular leadership in understanding the ecological impacts of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems. Her work integrates soil microbiology, plant ecology, and ecosystem functioning to reveal how microplastics, drought, and nutrient enrichment alter plant community composition, ecosystem multifunctionality, invasion dynamics, and soil carbon and nitrogen processes. She has published 31 high-impact peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, achieving strong global visibility with over 2,700 citations and an h-index of 19, reflecting sustained scientific excellence and innovation.

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Featured Publications

Sandra Hervías-Parejo | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sandra Hervías-Parejo | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral researcher at Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies, Spain

Sandra Hervías-Parejo is a passionate ecologist dedicated to addressing global ecological challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and invasive species. Sandra has led impactful research that influences conservation policies, especially for island ecosystems. With 40 publications in SCI-indexed journals, Sandra ensures her work reaches a broad audience by prioritizing open access for transparency and reproducibility. Her career reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration across over 20 countries, and her research projects have received both national and international funding. Beyond research, Sandra actively engages in science outreach, mentoring future ecologists, and promoting gender equity. She frequently participates in international conferences and committees, reviews scientific articles, and contributes to public awareness through media and educational initiatives. Sandra’s dedication bridges the gap between scientific innovation and societal impact, making her a prominent figure in the field of ecology.

Publication profile

Orcid

Scopus

Academic Background

Sandra Hervías-Parejo’s academic journey showcases her strong foundation in ecology and conservation. She earned a PhD in Ecology from the University of Murcia, Spain, where she delved into the intricate dynamics of ecosystems. Preceding this, Sandra completed an MSc in Invasive Species Management in 2014, also at the University of Murcia, gaining specialized expertise in tackling one of the most pressing ecological challenges. Her academic repertoire includes a Certificate in Teaching Skills obtained in 2009 from the University of Granada, underscoring her commitment to education and mentorship. Sandra’s academic career began with a Degree in Biology in 2006, completed through a collaboration between the University of Granada and the University of La Laguna in Tenerife. This diverse educational background equipped Sandra with the knowledge and skills to lead interdisciplinary research and foster innovation in biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration.

Professional Background

Sandra Hervías-Parejo brings extensive experience to her work as a researcher. Currently a postdoc at the CSIC Global Change Research IMEDEA in Spain, she works under the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant led by A. Traveset. Previously, she held the Vicenç Mut Postdoctoral Fellowship at IMEDEA, where her work contributed significantly to understanding global ecological changes. Her international experience includes a postdoctoral position at the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galápagos, focusing on conserving island ecosystems. Sandra has led two research projects and contributed to 14 international initiatives, emphasizing collaborative research with over 20 countries. Her roles include mentoring students, reviewing for 22 scientific journals, and participating in committees to advance research standards. Sandra also actively engages in science communication and policy-making, amplifying the practical impact of her ecological research across multiple spheres.

Awards and Honors

Sandra Hervías-Parejo’s contributions to ecology have earned her international recognition. She has been the principal investigator of two prestigious projects and a key collaborator in numerous national and international initiatives. Sandra’s research has been lauded for its quality, impact, and interdisciplinary approach. She frequently represents her work at international conferences, including invited talks at renowned institutions such as the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the Sorbonne. Her leadership in conservation and biodiversity has not only influenced policies but also inspired educational and public outreach programs. Sandra’s dedication to advancing ecological understanding is further evident through her role in organizing academic events and her active membership in global biodiversity groups. Her accolades highlight her exceptional contributions to ecology, both in academic research and practical conservation efforts, making her a role model in the scientific community.

Research Focus

Sandra Hervías-Parejo focuses on unraveling the complexities of ecosystem dynamics to address global ecological challenges. Her research spans biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and the impacts of invasive alien species, with a special emphasis on island ecosystems. Sandra uses multilayer network approaches to study food webs, keystone species, and functional traits, advancing our understanding of ecosystem resilience under global change. Her work also investigates the ecological and evolutionary consequences of island tameness, integrating artificial intelligence for innovative ecological modeling. Sandra’s research has practical applications, influencing conservation policies and fostering collaborations with local authorities to implement sustainable solutions. Her projects prioritize open-access publishing, ensuring transparency and reproducibility, and her interdisciplinary approach bridges theory, fieldwork, and predictive modeling. Through her pioneering efforts, Sandra contributes to developing sustainable strategies for conserving biodiversity in fragile ecosystems.

Publication Top Notes

“Disentangling Small Island Ecological Multilayer Networks: Relationships with Ecological and Evolutionary Island Patterns” 🌍

Authors: Manuel Nogales, Anna Traveset, Heriberto López, Ruben H. Heleno, Susana Rodríguez‐Echeverría, Rafael García, S. Hervías-Parejo

Year: 2025

“Mixed Mating System and Intraspecific Variation in Lizard Pollination of Withania frutescens (L.) Pauquy” 🦎

Authors: Raquel Muñoz-Gallego, Anna Traveset, S. Hervías-Parejo, Rafel Beltrán

Year: 2025

“Disentangling Small‐Island Multilayer Networks: Underlying Ecological and Evolutionary Patterns” 🌐

Authors: Manuel Nogales, Anna Traveset, Heriberto López, Ruben Heleno, Susana Rodríguez‐Echeverría, Rafael García, Sandra Hervías‐Parejo

Year: 2025

“<scp>EuPPollNet</scp>: A European Database of Plant‐Pollinator Networks” 🌺

Authors: Jose B. Lanuza, Tiffany M. Knight, Nerea Montes‐Perez, Will Glenny, Paola Acuña, Matthias Albrecht, Maddi Artamendi, Isabelle Badenhausser, Joanne M. Bennett, Paolo Biella, S. Hervías-Parejo, et al.

Year: 2025

Conclusion

Sandra Hervías-Parejo is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to ecological science and conservation are noteworthy, with significant impacts in academia, policy, and public engagement. Her strengths in leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship make her a well-rounded researcher. Addressing the outlined areas for improvement could further enhance her already impressive profile, positioning her as a leading figure in global ecological research.

 

Shyam Kumar Thapa | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Programme Manager, Zoological Society of London Nepal Office, Nepal

Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa is a dedicated conservation ecologist with over 10 years of experience managing biodiversity conservation projects in Nepal. His work has focused on preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices to create resilient ecosystems. He excels in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and local communities to achieve significant positive impacts on conservation. In his leisure time, he enjoys observing environmental changes outdoors, often accompanied by his family.

Publication Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Experience in Conservation Ecology: Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa has over a decade of experience in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on managing large-scale conservation projects in Nepal. His ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and local communities to achieve measurable impacts on biodiversity is a significant strength.
  2. Strong Academic Background: Dr. Thapa holds a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, with research focused on managing subtropical monsoon grasslands for the preservation of flagship species like tigers. His academic credentials are further strengthened by his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Environmental Science.
  3. Notable Achievements and Contributions: He has successfully managed and executed donor-funded projects, developed project proposals aligned with national and international conservation policies, and contributed to post-disaster management efforts. His work on the Hariyo Ban Programme and various projects in Bardia-Banke Complex are noteworthy.
  4. Publications and Research Contributions: Dr. Thapa has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in respected journals. His research on grassland management, pyric herbivory, and human-tiger conflicts demonstrates his ability to address complex ecological challenges.
  5. Professional Recognition and Awards: Dr. Thapa has received prestigious grants, including the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Grant and Early Career Grant. His professional affiliations with IUCN and contributions to species monitoring and deer specialist groups underscore his recognition in the field.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Diversification of Research Focus: While Dr. Thapa’s work on grassland management and flagship species is highly commendable, expanding his research focus to include a broader range of ecosystems and species could further enhance his impact and expertise.
  2. Global Collaboration and Networking: Although Dr. Thapa has strong ties to conservation efforts in Nepal, increasing his involvement in international collaborations could broaden his influence and allow for the exchange of innovative ideas and practices.
  3. Leadership in Policy Advocacy: Dr. Thapa could further develop his role in conservation policy advocacy, both at national and international levels. Engaging more actively in policy-making processes and contributing to global conservation frameworks could amplify his contributions.

Conclusion:

Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa is a highly qualified and dedicated conservation ecologist whose extensive experience, strong academic background, and significant contributions to biodiversity conservation make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work in Nepal, particularly in managing complex conservation projects and addressing human-wildlife conflicts, showcases his ability to tackle pressing ecological challenges. While there is room for further development in terms of research diversification, global collaboration, and policy advocacy, Dr. Thapa’s achievements and commitment to conservation make him deserving of recognition.

 

Education 🎓

Dr. Thapa completed his PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands (2017-2023). His PhD thesis, “Deer for the Tiger: Managing Subtropical Monsoon Grasslands for the Preservation of Flagship Species,” highlights his research dedication. He also holds an M.Sc. in Environment Science with a focus on Natural Resource Management (2002-2004) and a B.Sc. in Environment Science (1997-2001) from Kathmandu University, Nepal.

Experience 🌱

Dr. Thapa has held several significant roles in the field of conservation. He is currently a Programme Manager at the Zoological Society of London Nepal Office, where he oversees the planning, implementation, and monitoring of various projects. He has also served as a Senior Conservation Officer and Conservation Officer at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), where he contributed to project design, execution, and liaising with national and international stakeholders. His earlier roles included managing field offices and community empowerment in the Western Terai Landscape Complex Project.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Thapa’s research is centered around wildlife ecology, grassland management, and the conservation of flagship species like the tiger. His work involves integrating the landscape of fear concept into grassland management, investigating the effects of mowing and nutrient input on grazing lawns, and studying postfire regrowth quality in subtropical grasslands. His research aims to balance the needs of wildlife with sustainable habitat management practices.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Thapa has been recognized for his contributions to conservation with several awards, including the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Grant (2020) and Early Career Grant (2017). He also received a Netherlands Fellowship to participate in Project Identification, Development, and Management Training at Maastricht School of Management in 2008.

Publications

Integration of the landscape of fear concept in grassland management: An experimental study on subtropical monsoon grasslands in Bardia National Park, Nepal

Fire and forage quality: Postfire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal

Data underlying the publication: Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores.

Fire and forage quality: post-fire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal.

Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores