Antonia Picornell Rigo

Dr. Antonia Picornell Rigo is a Full Professor of Genetics in the Department of Biology at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), where she has served since November 1993, achieving the rank of catedrática (Full Professor) in July 2017. She teaches across multiple programs including Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine degrees, with current courses for 2025-26 including Human Genetics, Genetic Engineering, and Biology Final Degree Project.

Her educational background includes a Science degree in Biology with Extraordinary Award (1998) and PhD in Biology (1992), both from the University of the Balearic Islands.

Dr. Picornell's research focuses on Population Genetics with special emphasis on isolated populations. Her work spans Human Population Genetics, studying the Balearic population from anthropological and medical perspectives, Jewish communities (particularly the Chueta community of Mallorcan Jewish converts), Andean populations in Salta (Argentina), and Moroccan populations. She has also investigated mitochondrial DNA dynamics in Drosophila subobscura, hepatitis C virus interactions in coinfected patients, evolution of the Podarcis genus in the Mediterranean, and conservation genetics of endangered marine species using next-generation sequencing techniques.

Her research has resulted in approximately 100 publications in peer-reviewed international journals, with recent work showing increased focus on conservation genetics and multidisciplinary evolutionary studies.

• Extraordinary Award for Biology Degree (1998)

Dr. Picornell has directed numerous doctoral theses and currently serves as thesis director for the 2025-26 academic year in the Doctorate in Biomedical and Evolutionary Biotechnology. Her research has been supported by over 50 competitive national and regional projects plus two European projects, reflecting sustained funding success throughout her career. She has held significant academic leadership roles including Co-director of the Master's in Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology (2009-2013), Head of Biology Studies (2012-2016), and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Sciences (2012-2016).

She leads the Human and Evolutionary Genetics (HEGEN) research group as Principal Investigator and is also a member of the Balearic Biodiversity (GBB) research group. Her collaborative network spans institutions across multiple countries including Son Espases University Hospital, IPATIMUP Institute in Porto, National University of Salta, Mohammed V-Agdal University in Morocco, Cavanilles Institute in Valencia, and international partners in the UK and US.