Anna Traveset - Biography#

I am an ecologist interested in how mutualistic and antagonistic species interactions sustain biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. My work integrates field research, experiments, modelling and network theory to understand how global change—biological invasions, habitat loss and climate change—affects ecological communities. Using ecological networks, I aim to identify keystone species and interactions, uncover the mechanisms structuring communities, and assess the risk of ecosystem collapse. Although much of my work focuses on island ecosystems, I also collaborate widely on mainland studies.

My career began at the University of Barcelona, followed by a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania on plant–animal interactions in Costa Rica. After returning to Spain, I worked at the Doñana Biological Station with leading experts on mutualisms before establishing myself in the Balearic Islands, where I pioneered the study of species interactions and received the Bartomeu Darder Award. Since 2005, I have applied complex network approaches, achieving major advances in the Galapagos. I currently coordinate the ERC Advanced Grant IslandLife, evaluating ecosystem vulnerability across six archipelagos from the tropics to the poles. I lead a terrestrial ecology laboratory of ~15 people and have received the CSIC Margarita Salas Medal for mentorship.

I have conducted research across multiple continents and taxa, participated in 63 projects (PI in 28), and authored nearly 300 scientific papers, serving on the editorial boards of multiple journals and editing several special issues and books, including Plant Invasions: The Role of Species Interactions (CABI, 2020). I have represented Spain in national and international committees, been a member of the ERC Advanced Grants Panel (2012–2014), and served as vice-president of the Spanish Association of Terrestrial Ecology.

I actively collaborate with researchers from over 30 countries and have supervised 25 postdocs, 13 master’s theses, 9 undergraduate theses, and 17 PhDs (plus 3 ongoing). Many former students now hold academic positions in Europe and the Americas. I have taught in master’s programs in global change and currently teach in the MSc in Island Biodiversity and Conservation (JICAS/University of Exeter). I am also part of the Interdisciplinary Laboratory on Climate Change of the Balearic Islands.

Outreach is a central part of my work: I regularly give public talks, train environmental managers and educators, and participate in conservation initiatives such as a recent LIFE project on pollinators. I co-directed the award-winning documentary Bee or not to be (2020) and collaborated on the first global sound guide to pollinators. I strongly advocate for combining science and art to engage society in the protection of nature.