Dr. Susana Gonzalez | Clemente Estable Biological Research Institute | Uruguay
Dr. Susana González, born in Montevideo, Uruguay, is a distinguished conservation geneticist and biodiversity expert. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a leading figure in South American deer conservation and taxonomy. Married with two children, Dr. González balances academic excellence with leadership roles in global conservation bodies. She currently works at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE) and serves as Chair of the Deer Specialist Group under the IUCN. A prolific author and academic, her research integrates molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, and conservation strategies. Through her extensive fieldwork and international collaborations, she has played a pivotal role in preserving endangered species such as the Pampas deer and marsh deer. Her leadership and dedication to ecological science have earned her recognition across the scientific community and prestigious awards such as the Whitley Award. She continues to inspire efforts in biodiversity preservation and sustainable wildlife management.
Publication Profile:
Education:
Dr. Susana González received her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences PEDECIBA at the Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay. Her doctoral work laid the foundation for a career focused on conservation genetics, molecular biology, and wildlife ecology. During her studies, she developed expertise in genetic analysis techniques and population genetics, which she later applied to endangered mammalian species in South America. Her academic formation at Uruguay’s top research institutions was complemented by training and collaborative research abroad, particularly in conservation biology. Dr. González’s education has been pivotal in enabling her interdisciplinary work, which bridges zoology, evolutionary biology, and conservation science. Her commitment to lifelong learning is also evident in her continued engagement with global research networks and academic mentorship. She is also actively engaged in postdoctoral education through her affiliations with international academic platforms and scientific bodies such as the IUCN and Columbia University.
Experience:
Dr. González has over 25 years of experience in biodiversity conservation and molecular genetics. She has served as Chair of the IUCN Deer Specialist Group, leading global strategies for deer conservation. She was Adjunct Professor at Columbia University and the Universidad de la República, mentoring students and collaborating on conservation projects. At IIBCE in Montevideo, she leads impactful research in conservation genetics. Her work focuses on endangered species such as Ozotoceros bezoarticus (Pampas deer) and Blastocerus dichotomus (marsh deer), using advanced genetic tools for species identification, population monitoring, and evolutionary studies. Her leadership extends to national and international research collaborations and public policy advisory roles. She has participated in fieldwork across Uruguay and the Río de la Plata basin and is known for integrating non-invasive techniques into species monitoring. Her institutional collaborations and mentorship continue to shape wildlife conservation in Latin America.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Susana González has earned prestigious accolades for her scientific contributions. She received the Uruguayan Veterinary Medicine Committee Annual Award for her research on genetic diversity in captive populations. Her international recognition peaked when she was awarded the Whitley Award by the Garfield Weston Foundation, one of the most significant honors in conservation science, for her work on the Pampas deer. This award acknowledged her innovative use of molecular genetics to protect endangered species and highlighted her success in translating scientific research into conservation policy and public awareness. Additionally, her academic and professional reputation has earned her key roles in global conservation bodies such as the IUCN and several research grants. Through her international collaborations, Dr. González continues to be a voice for Latin American biodiversity on the global stage. Her accolades not only affirm her scientific excellence but also her enduring commitment to environmental stewardship.
Research Focus:
Dr. González’s research lies at the intersection of molecular genetics, conservation biology, and evolutionary ecology, with a specific focus on South American cervids. Her work is centered on species such as the Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus), marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), and various brocket deer species (Mazama spp.). She uses cutting-edge genetic tools—including non-invasive sampling, mitochondrial DNA analysis, and high-resolution melting techniques—to study phylogeography, species delimitation, and population structure. Her goal is to understand how genetic diversity, habitat fragmentation, and demographic changes impact endangered species. Dr. González’s research contributes directly to conservation policy, management plans, and the legal protection of species. As Chair of the IUCN Deer Specialist Group, she also works to align field research with global biodiversity frameworks. Her collaborations span multiple countries, integrating local knowledge with global expertise to support long-term conservation efforts and enhance the ecological resilience of Latin American ecosystems.
Publications Top Notes:
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Conservation genetics of the endangered Pampas deer – Molecular Ecology
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Morphometric differentiation & new subspecies of Pampas deer – Journal of Mammalogy
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Latin American deer diversity & conservation – Ecoscience
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Phylogeography of endangered marsh deer – Conservation Genetics
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The Globalization of Conservation: A View from the South – Science
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Evolutionary history of South American deer – Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
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Identification of Mazama bororo via non-invasive genetics – Molecular Ecology Resources
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Evolution of the red brocket deer complex – Cytogenetic and Genome Research
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Social patterns of the Neotropical Pampas deer – Springer Plus
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New primer set for mammal ID from feces – Conservation Genetic Resources
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Dr. Susana González’s research portfolio, global leadership, and dedication to the conservation of endangered species position her as a top-tier candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work represents an ideal combination of scientific innovation, field-based conservation, and policy relevance. She has significantly advanced knowledge on species delimitation, genetic diversity, and population dynamics of Neotropical deer, while influencing national and international conservation agendas. Her collaborations, recognition through prestigious awards, and long-standing academic roles underscore her commitment to excellence. While areas like digital outreach and interdisciplinary expansion present room for development, these do not detract from her remarkable impact. Awarding her this recognition would not only honor her individual achievements but also shine a spotlight on the vital importance of biodiversity conservation in South America. Dr. González exemplifies what the Best Researcher Award should represent: rigor, relevance, responsibility, and real-world impact.