SRAP is committed in boosting the career perspectives of Early-Career Spanish researchers in the Australia-Pacific region. To achieve this goal, the SRAP-frA Early-Career Researcher Award aims to recognize extraordinary research trajectories of Early-Career SRAP members.
The SRAP-frA Early researcher career grant is organized by SRAP, and it is sponsored by the Ramón Areces Foundation. The Ramón Areces Foundation was created in 1976 with the broad objective of fostering scientific and technical research in Spain and education and culture in general. The Foundation was a pioneering institution in our country, and ever since its creation it has constantly and firmly supported scientific research as the driving force behind progress and modernity.
The winner of the 3rd SRAP-frA Early-Career Researcher Award is Dr. Isabel Nuñez Lendo.
Dr. Nuñez Lendo, is a Spanish researcher of international experience in environmental science, focusing on coral reef conservation and restoration, with coastal and island community engagement.
Her journey began 10 years ago when she pursued a Master’s in Aquaculture & Marine Resource Management at Wageningen University & Research. In 2019, she received an International PhD scholarship at the University of Technology Sydney and began her thesis in Marine Science, evaluating the ecosystem services of restoration efforts in the Great Barrier Reef. In her own words “a decision that profoundly transformed her life and career for the better”.
She obtained her PhD early this year and got to publish her thesis alongside three articles (having two more under review). Currently, she is serving as an assistant lecturer to develop the scientific skills of Bachelor and Master students at the University of Technology Sydney.
Dr. Marcos Roca-Cusachs, Chair of the SRAP-frA Early-Career Researcher Award 2024, announcing the Winner of the 3rd SRAP-frA Early-Career Researcher Award, Dr. Isabel Nuñez Lendo, at the closure of the 10th Australia-Spain Research Forum at The Australian Museum (Sydney), 18 October 2024.
As part of her academic achievements, she has been the Principal Investigator for three international projects and an active collaborator in three others. Her expertise has led her to work with multiple universities and research institutions, being involved in projects around Australia, Africa, Caribbean, French Polynesia, Hawai’i, Japan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Singapur. She has also collaborated with NASA, contributed to the IUCN Red List, and earned an MBA from The London School of Economics & Political Science.
She has been recognized as a National Geographic Explorer for a project I developed and led in French Polynesia, won the La Caixa Excellence Award, and has been recognized as one of the worldwide Coral Champions by UN for her contributions to coral research.
Last but not least, she has participated in public speaking at national and international conferences and online events for education and outreach purposes. Recently, co-founded a family-owned documentary production company, SISTARS PRODUCTIONS, to harness the power of storytelling for conservation and research purposes.
Dr. Marcos Roca-Cusachs
Chair of the SRAP-frA Early-Career Researcher Award 2024