Maria Jesús Uriz Lespe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maria Jesús (Iosune) Uriz Lespe
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Iosune Uriz Lespe
25 December 1949 Estrella (Navarra, Spain)
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| Nationality | Spanish |
| Awards | Narcís Monturiol Award (2005) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | CEAB-CSIC |
| Thesis | "Contribución a la fauna de esponjas (Demospongia) de Catalunya" University of Barcelona, 1978, p. 220. (1978) |
María Jesús Uriz Lespe (born December 25, 1949) is a very important Spanish scientist. She is a pioneer in studying marine sponges. She looks at how sponges are classified (this is called taxonomy). She also studies their life and how their groups of sponges change over time (this is called population genetics).
In recent years, she has focused on how sponges live with tiny living things called microorganisms. This is a special partnership called a symbiotic relationship. She even worked with the famous American scientist Lynn Margulis. Her research on special chemicals from sponges has helped create medicines, including some that fight cancer.
About María Jesús Uriz Lespe
María Jesús Uriz Lespe finished her first university degree in 1972. Later, in 1978, she earned her doctorate degree in biology. This is the highest university degree you can get.
In 1973, she started working at the Institute of Fisheries Research in Blanes. This was thanks to a special scholarship. Later, in 1985, she joined the Center for Advanced Studies in Blanes (CEAB-CSIC). She helped lead this center for many years. She was the vice-director from 1985 to 1994. Then, she became the director from 1994 to 1998.
She was one of the first scientists in Spain to use a diving suit for research. She has explored the Mediterranean and Antarctica. In these places, she has found and described more than 30 new types of sponges! Today, she is a research professor at the Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes. This center is part of the Spanish National Research Council.
Her Scientific Work
María Jesús Uriz Lespe has guided more than 15 students through their doctorate studies. She has also written over 150 articles for science magazines. She has led more than 30 big science projects, both in Spain and with other countries.
She helps edit two science magazines: Scientia Marina and Scientific Reports. She also helps decide which science projects should get money. She is part of important groups at the University of Barcelona. These groups help decide what students learn in science programs.
Awards and Special Recognition
In 2005, María Jesús Uriz Lespe received the "Narcís Monturiol" award. This award is given for great achievements in science and technology. The government of Catalonia, called the Generalitat of Catalonia, gave her this special honor.
See also
In Spanish: María Jesús Uriz Lespe para niños
