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 famous Spanish scientist. She is a pioneer in studying marine sponges. She has done important work in understanding how sponges are classified (called taxonomy), how they live (biology), and their population genetics.
In recent years, she has focused on how sponges and tiny living things called microorganisms work together. Her research also helped create medicines. Some of these medicines, developed with drug companies, are used to fight cancer.
About María Jesús Uriz Lespe
María Jesús Uriz Lespe was born in Estella, Navarra, Spain. She graduated from the University of Navarra in 1972. Later, in 1978, she earned her doctorate in biology from the University of Barcelona.
In 1973, she started working at the Institute of Fisheries Research in Blanes. Then, in 1985, she joined the Center for Advanced Studies in Blanes (CEAB-CSIC). This is a research center that studies the sea. She was a leader there, serving as vice-director from 1985 to 1994. She was also the director from 1994 to 1998.
María Jesús Uriz Lespe was one of the first researchers in Spain to use a diving suit for her work. She has explored the Mediterranean Sea and Antarctica. In these places, she has found and described more than 30 new species of sponges. Today, she is an emeritus research professor at CEAB-CSIC. This means she is a retired professor who still does research.
Her Scientific Research
María Jesús Uriz Lespe has guided more than 15 students through their doctoral studies. She has also written over 150 articles for scientific journals. These articles share her discoveries with other scientists.
She has led more than 30 research projects, both in Spain and internationally. She helps edit scientific magazines like Scientia Marina and Scientific Reports. She also helps decide which scientific projects should get funding. She reviews projects for groups like the Smithsonian Institution and the National Science Foundation in the USA. She also reviews projects for the European Union.
Awards and Special Honors
In 2005, María Jesús Uriz Lespe received a special award. It was called the "Narcís Monturiol" award for Scientific and Technical Merit. The government of Catalonia gave her this award. It recognized her amazing scientific career and all her important contributions.
See also
In Spanish: María Jesús Uriz Lespe para niños
