Mónica Moura

Mónica Moura is an Associate Professor and active researcher at the University of the Azores, affiliated with CIBIO-InBIO and the Department of Biology. She is a member of the research groups BIOISLE and PlantEvol, focusing on the conservation and evolutionary biology of Macaronesian flora, particularly endemic species of the Azores. Her academic base is in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel.

• PhD in Plant Physiology, University of the Azores (2006)

Her research interests lie at the intersection of plant conservation, molecular genetics, and systematics. She investigates the propagation, genetic diversity, and phylogeography of endangered island plants. Her work integrates classical and micropropagation techniques with molecular tools such as SSR markers and phylogenetic analyses. She has contributed significantly to the taxonomy and conservation of Azorean endemics, including species in Lactuca, Leontodon, Aichryson, and Viburnum.

The trends in her recent publications reveal a strong focus on population genetics, hybridization, and conservation of island endemics. Using molecular and phytochemical data, she explores speciation, genetic structure, and breeding systems in genera such as Tolpis and Lactuca. Her work often combines morphological, genetic, and ecological data to inform conservation strategies for highly threatened flora.

She has led and participated in multiple research projects, including eAZFlora, DEMIURGO, and ILHASMAC, all aimed at understanding and preserving Macaronesian biodiversity. While no specific scientific awards are mentioned in the text, her consistent publication record in reputable journals reflects recognition in her field.

Mónica Moura supervises students in post-graduate research, though individual names are not provided. She collaborates extensively with national and international researchers and is involved in advanced training and knowledge transfer initiatives through CIBIO. Her work is supported by institutional frameworks such as BIOPOLIS and the LIA Biodiversity and Evolution.

She is part of active research laboratories focused on plant evolution and island biodiversity, contributing to both fundamental science and applied conservation services such as molecular analysis and applied ecology.