Meritxell Pérez Hedo – Spain

Research Entomologist at Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Spain

Starting with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 2005 from the University of Lleida (UdL), Spain, and advancing to a PhD in Entomology in 2010 at the same institution, Dr. Pérez-Hedo has dedicated her career to the sustainable management of agricultural pests. Her work spans the management of significant pests in economically vital crops such as citrus, persimmon, pepper, and tomato, focusing on multiple agricultural pests. Dr. Pérez-Hedo has pioneered the development of a new method based on plant communication for sustainable pest and disease management. She has made important contributions to biological pest control, genetic improvement of natural enemies, and the use of dsRNA for pest management.

With a multidisciplinary background in entomology, Dr. Pérez-Hedo’s work incorporates molecular biology techniques to enhance pest and disease management strategies. Her efforts have resulted in 65 SCI articles (82% Q1) and a significant number of outreach publications, with her being the first or last author in 75 of 115 publications. Knowledge transfer is a key aspect of Dr. Pérez-Hedo’s career, as evidenced by over 70 outreach activities. She has supervised 4 doctoral theses, directed numerous degree and master projects, and contributed to academic courses, underscoring her educational commitment. Additionally, Dr. Pérez-Hedo holds editorial and advisory positions in scientific and technical journals and organizations, emphasizing her integral role in the entomological research community.