Llorens Guasch, Laura

Laura Llorens Guasch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Girona, where she has been a faculty member since 2010, previously serving as a Lecturer from 2005 to 2010. Her academic background includes a PhD in Biology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Sheffield. She teaches in the Biology, Environmental Sciences, and Master’s in Environmental Change programs.

• Bachelor of Biology – University of Barcelona (1999)
• PhD in Biology – Autonomous University of Barcelona (2003)
• Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow – University of Sheffield (2003–2005)

Her research centers on plant physiological responses to climate change stressors such as elevated CO₂, drought, temperature rise, and UV radiation, with a focus on Mediterranean ecosystems. She leads research within the Research Group on Soils and Vegetation in the Mediterranean, exploring plant community dynamics and ecosystem resilience. A recent initiative investigates the potential benefits of ruderal species in organic horticulture, particularly for tomato cultivation.

Her 15 most recent publications reveal a consistent focus on plant ecophysiology under global change, combining field experiments with physiological measurements. Key themes include photoprotection, water use efficiency, carbon assimilation, and plant-plant interactions. The work spans functional ecology, climate change biology, and sustainable agriculture, often integrating multi-stressor experimental designs.

She has served as an associate editor for Functional Ecology and has contributed to 5 book chapters and over 50 conference presentations. Her research has been supported by 14 competitive grants, 4 of which she led as principal investigator.

• Associate Editor – Functional Ecology (IF=4.83)
• Principal Investigator in 4 competitive research projects
• Participant in 14 research projects total

Laura Llorens Guasch actively supervises students and contributes to academic mentoring, though specific student names are not listed. Her work continues to advance understanding of how Mediterranean vegetation adapts to environmental change, with implications for conservation and sustainable land use.