Dr. Leandro Rodriguez-Viera | Universisdad de Cadiz | Spain
Dr. Leandro Rodríguez Viera is a marine biologist with dual Ph.D. degrees from the University of Havana (Cuba) and the University of Cádiz (Spain), specializing in digestive physiology and trophic ecology of marine organisms. With over 15 years of experience in biological and aquaculture research, he has significantly contributed to the understanding of nutrient metabolism and predation dynamics in marine ecosystems. His scientific trajectory is defined by interdisciplinary work combining enzymology, nutrition, and biodiversity. Dr. Rodríguez Viera has published extensively in high-impact journals and collaborates with research teams across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He is also a co-recipient of the prestigious Cuban Academy of Sciences National Prize. His dedication to marine biology is evident through his active role in identifying invasive species and documenting marine biodiversity. His contributions enhance conservation efforts, sustainable aquaculture, and the ecological management of tropical marine environments.
Publication Profile:
Education:
Dr. Leandro Rodríguez Viera’s educational journey began with a Bachelor in Biology from the University of Havana in 2008, followed by a Master’s degree in Marine Biology and Aquaculture in 2010 from the same institution. He earned a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Havana in 2018, with research focused on digestive enzymology and metabolism in crustaceans. In parallel, he completed a second Ph.D., Cum Laude, from the University of Cádiz in Spain in 2017, strengthening his expertise in marine physiology and aquaculture. His academic training combines a strong foundation in molecular biology, comparative physiology, and aquatic animal nutrition, positioning him as a multidisciplinary expert in marine life sciences. This robust educational background underpins his successful career in scientific research and publications in diverse fields such as marine biodiversity, gelatinous zooplankton, and digestive physiology in aquatic species.
Experience:
Dr. Rodríguez Viera has over 15 years of research experience in marine biology, aquaculture, and marine ecology. He began his career focusing on the digestive physiology of the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), contributing to fundamental knowledge and diet development for aquaculture. His career spans collaborative projects with institutions like the University of Cádiz, ICMAN-CSIC, and international teams across Europe and the Caribbean. Dr. Rodríguez Viera has led or co-led several projects on nutrient digestion, enzymatic adaptations, and jellyfish–predator interactions. He is an active contributor to taxonomic, ecological, and metabolic studies involving fish, crustaceans, cnidarians, and tunicates. As a prolific author, he has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and guides. His interdisciplinary approach and regional focus on the Caribbean and Atlantic ecosystems make him a key scientific resource in marine trophic ecology, biodiversity documentation, and environmental monitoring programs.
Awards and Honors:
In 2019, Dr. Leandro Rodríguez Viera was honored with the National Prize of the Cuban Academy of Sciences for his contributions to digestive metabolism in the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), which directly influenced aquaculture diet formulation. This prestigious award recognized his team’s work spanning universities in Cuba, Spain, and research institutes like ICMAN-CSIC. His earlier works also garnered significant academic citations, demonstrating influence in biochemical, nutritional, and ecological fields. Additionally, his publications in PLoS One, Journal of Experimental Biology, Aquaculture, and Marine Biology have earned wide recognition. Dr. Rodríguez Viera’s research continues to be integral to understanding digestive enzyme dynamics, invasive species spread, and marine food web interactions. His multidisciplinary reach, innovative methodologies, and cross-border collaborations underscore his impact, making him a strong candidate for international recognition and research awards.
Research Focus:
Dr. Rodríguez Viera’s research centers on marine trophic ecology, with a special focus on nutritional physiology, digestion, and gelatinous zooplankton interactions. His pioneering studies on Panulirus argus laid the groundwork for aquaculture diets tailored to digestive enzyme profiles. In recent years, he has explored predator–prey relationships among jellyfish, sea anemones, and fish, contributing to the knowledge of underexplored ecological roles in gelatinous food webs. He is also engaged in biodiversity documentation, especially of cnidarians and tunicates in Cuban and Caribbean waters. His integrative approach combines biochemical assays, molecular analysis, ecological fieldwork, and taxonomic identification. His ongoing projects address species invasions, climate-induced bleaching, and nutrient assimilation in marine organisms. This work supports sustainable marine resource use and enhances our understanding of tropical marine ecosystems, biodiversity threats, and aquaculture development.
Publications Top Notes:
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One-carbon nutrients and genistein as nutritional programming effectors in juvenile gilthead seabream – Aquaculture (2025)
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Diversity of ctenophores from the Cuban Exclusive Economic Zone – Marine Biology Research (2025)
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Review of benthic cnidarians as underappreciated gelatinous predators – Marine Biology (2025)
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Novel predation of Scyphozoans by sea anemone Condylactis gigantea – Diversity (2025)
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First Atlantic record of genus Timoides in Cuban Caribbean waters – Thalassas (2025)
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Ichthyofauna of Ensenada de la Siguanea: Guide to common mangrove and seagrass fishes – Rev. Invest. Mar. (2024)
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First occurrence of invasive jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata in the Dominican Republic – Bulletin of Marine Science (2024)
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Opportunistic predation on hydromedusae by butterflyfish and crustaceans – Discover Oceans (2024)
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Diversity of pelagic tunicates (Appendicularia & Thaliacea) from Cuba: A review – Marine Biodiversity (2024)
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Asymmetrical bleaching of upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea in Cuba – Marine Biodiversity (2024)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Dr. Leandro Rodríguez Viera is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on his significant contributions to marine biology, digestive physiology, and aquaculture. His dual doctoral qualifications, cross-institutional collaborations, and publication impact reflect a strong and sustained commitment to scientific excellence. With a research trajectory that spans fundamental science to applied marine ecology, Dr. Rodríguez Viera exemplifies the qualities of an innovative and impactful researcher. With continued focus on academic leadership and broader outreach, he is well-positioned to further advance scientific frontiers and make lasting contributions to marine science and aquaculture development.