Evolutionary biologist Luís Valente has been appointed Honorary Professor of Island Biology at the University of Groningen.
Naturallaboratories
At first glance, the publication list of Prof. Dr. Luís Valente seems to shoot in all directions. Plants, mammals, birds, fieldwork spanning the entire planet, genetics, biodiversity, mathematical models: it is all intertwined.
Upon closer inspection, however, there is an overarching theme: islands. Biologists love islands because they serve as natural laboratories where evolution and ecology play out on a smaller scale. This results in unique species found nowhere else on Earth—which is why islands are often "Biodiversity Hotspots"—but it also provides insight into processes such as how species form and disperse.
Frontlineof the crisis
Or, conversely, how they go extinct. "Islands are on the frontline of the current biodiversity crisis," says Valente. The species found there often have small geographic ranges and have evolved for millions of years in isolation, making them highly vulnerable to invasive alien species, hunting, or habitat destruction.
Responsibility
In the recent Dutch Biodiversity Status Report, Valente highlighted the Netherlands' responsibility for unique species in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, such as the Aruba rattlesnake and the Bonaire palm. He is also coordinating a recently-funded project to research and protect birds on the tropical African island of Bioko.
Learningfrom eachother
The University of Groningen has appointed Valente as Honorary Professor of Island Biology as of 1st of June, 2026. He has been collaborating with theoretical biologist Rampal Etienne for years and will further strengthen the research and education within Etienne's group at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES). At Naturalis, Valente leads the Biodiversity Hotspots research group alongside his colleague Renske Onstein. “I am looking forward to strengthening my role as a bridge between Naturalis and GELIFES. Both institutes are at the forefront of research and education in evolution and conservation biology, and therefore can greatly learn from each other to advance biodiversity science on islands and beyond”.
Naturalis andhigher education
Naturalis is a research institute with around 150 scientists and 250 guest researchers. Most universities in the Netherlands have a (special) professor affiliated with Naturalis. In this way, we contribute to education and research in the field of biodiversity.
Moreinformation
- Luis Valente's profile page
- Luis-Valente.com
- Prof. Valente's page on RUG.nl