Lydia Vazquez

Lydia Vazquez is a Full Professor at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Spain, specializing in French and comparative literature, 18th-century literature, gender studies, animal studies, and literary translation. Her work bridges Spain/France literary relations and explores intersections between literature and the visual arts.

• Research Focus: 18th-century French literature, gender theory, animal symbolism, and libertine texts
• Leadership: Principal investigator of GIGEF (Gender Studies Research Group) and co-researcher in 'L'animal sur scène' project
• Collaborations: Bilbao Guggenheim Museum and Paris Louvre with curator Guillaume Faroult

She has organized international academic events and directed special journal issues on comparative literature and gender. Her translation work includes Sade, Rousseau, and Marivaux, earning multiple María Martínez Sierra Translation Prizes and the Premio Tarasca de traducción. She has supervised 12 doctoral theses (all top-class) with 3 ongoing, and authored 245 publications across critical editions, reception studies, and interdisciplinary research.

Scientific Awards

• Chevalière des Arts et des Lettres (2024)
• María Martínez Sierra Translation Prize (2014, 2015)
• Premio Tarasca de traducción (2010)
• Extraordinary Degree Prize (1981)

Her academic output demonstrates strong thematic coherence, with 73 publications on 18th-century literature, 38 in gender studies, and 51 analyzing France/Spain cultural reception. As a director of Festschrifts and journal special issues, she has shaped critical discourse in European literary studies.