Saul Blanco Lanza

Saul Blanco Lanza is an Associate Professor at the University of León, affiliated with the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management. He specializes in the taxonomy, ecology, and biogeography of continental diatoms, directing the Laboratorio de Diatomologia at the University of León, which has secured over 2,000,000 euros in projects since 2000 and hosted 9 international researchers.

• Doctoral studies: PhD in Ecology from the University of León (2007), thesis on Trophic ecology of fishes in shallow lakes and their effect on plant epiphyton.
• Postgraduate education: Studies at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the National University of Distance Education.

His research spans diatom biodiversity, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental biotechnology, with significant contributions to limnology. He has participated in 3 international, 12 national (2 as PI), and 8 regional projects, along with 50+ agreements under Spain’s art. 60 LOSU. He has supervised 2 completed doctoral theses and 5 in progress, and numerous undergraduate theses (TFG/TFM).

A dedicated science communicator, he founded Spain’s first Science Shop and the Center for Dissemination and Promotion of Science in León (FECyT Project 29502/224-4G). He has authored 4 popular science books and contributed to 6 academic books and 9 chapters, including Spain’s first illustrated diatom guide and a Mediterranean diatom flora.

With 164 WoS articles (49 in Q1 journals), he ranks #1 in scientific productivity among active researchers at the University of León’s Biology Faculty and #8 among >2,800 affiliated researchers (Scopus). In 2017 and 2023, he achieved the highest research productivity score (100/100) at the University of León, considering publications, impact, and competitive project participation.

• Editorial roles: Associate editor for Fottea, Biodiversity Data Journal, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, International Journal on Algae, and Phycology.
• Education and training: Delivered courses for administrations (CHD, MMA) and guest lectures at universities including Málaga, Murcia, Évora, and Javeriana (Bogotá).
• Service and outreach: Involved in teacher training, leisure monitor education, and the ESTALMAT project for mathematically talented youth.