Research and outreach interests

Throughout my scientific career, I have addressed several aspects related to the ecology of marine zooplankton. During my doctoral thesis (1993-1997) I focused on the study of techniques for the estimation of secondary production and the function of mesozooplankton (mostly copepods) in the dynamics of marine ecosystems. From this period, I would highlight some conclusive contributions related to the study of the relevance of the food availability for zooplankton in comparison with other environmental variables in natural ecosystems, a recurrent theme of debate throughout these last decades. 

During my postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Hawaii, USA (1997-1999), my research interests broadened to encompass a more global and ecological perspective. I investigated the role of mesozooplankton in structuring marine pelagic food webs, a line of inquiry that continues to occupy a portion of my current research efforts. Additionally, I explored the function of microzooplankton in pelagic food webs, an area that has become the defining focus of my current research and future endeavors. Some of my work in this field has become a foundational reference for understanding the critical role microzooplankton plays in the flow of matter and energy within marine ecosystems.. 

Building upon this initial generalist approach established during my Ramon y Cajal postdoctoral contract, I have progressively delved deeper, aiming to elucidate the specific functions of individual microzooplankton groups (or even species) within the plankton trophic network. Since securing a permanent scientific research position in 2006 (promoted to scientific investigator in 2009), my research has increasingly focused on the ecophysiology of microzooplankton and its response to environmental variables. My most recent interests lie in the role of mixotrophy (the ability of some organisms to obtain nutrition through both photosynthesis and predation) within the marine food web and the impacts of climate change variables on microzooplankton communities.

Beyond my own research, I have mentored students at various stages of their academic careers, including 7 master's/DEA students, 6 PhD students (with 3 ongoing), and 25 students and technicians. Additionally, I have served on national and international expert panels advising on project funding and as an editorial board member for several scientific journals, including J Plankton Res., Sci. Rep., Frontiers in Marine Sciences, and Marine Sciences and Engineering.  I also held the position of Deputy Director of the ICM from 2018 to 2020.

Committed to science communication, I actively participate in various outreach activities such as conferences, open-door events, and science fairs.  I manage the blog www.PlanktonOcean.com, the Instagram channel #PlanktonOcean, and the Facebook page Marine Zooplankton Ecology Lab (www.facebook.com/ZooplanktonEcology). I collaborate with outreach articles for Divulcat.cat. Fundació Catalana per la Recerca i la Innovació y Enciclopèdia Catalana. To date, I have contributed to over 120 outreach materials, including blog posts, articles, and books.