Dr. Luciana Carla Silvestri | Biodiversity conservation | Best Researcher Award

Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) | Argentina

Author Profile

✨ DR. LUCIANA C. SILVESTRI: A PIONEER IN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND POLICY

INTRODUCTION

Dr. Luciana C. Silvestri is a distinguished expert in international environmental law and policy, specializing in biodiversity conservation, access to genetic resources, and benefit-sharing (ABS). With a robust academic and professional background, she has made significant contributions to global environmental governance and sustainable development. Her expertise spans international environmental diplomacy, consulting, and academic research, making her a key figure in shaping policies related to genetic resources and biodiversity.

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Silvestri’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to environmental law and policy. She earned her PhD in Law from University Rey Juan Carlos (Spain) (2011-2014) with the prestigious distinction of “Outstanding Cum Laude.” Her educational background also includes:

Master’s in Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management (MESPOM) – Studied at Lund University (Sweden), University of Manchester (UK), Central European University (Hungary), and University of the Aegean (Greece) (2006-2008), qualifying “with merit.”
Postgraduate Diplomas in Environmental Law and Management – Completed at the University of Florida (United States), University of Costa Rica, and Technische Universität Dresden (Germany).
Law Degree from the University of Mendoza (Argentina) (1996-2002).

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Silvestri has held several prestigious positions in international organizations and academic institutions, including:

Researcher (2019–present) at the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
Post-Doctoral Researcher (2016–2019) at CONICET.
Expert to the Informal Advisory Committee (2017) for the Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House under the Nagoya Protocol.
Consultant (2014–2015) for the GEF/UNDP ARG 14/G54 Project, contributing to Argentina’s implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.
Researcher (2011–2013) for the UNESCO Chair of Territory and Environment at University Rey Juan Carlos, Spain.
Legal Adviser (2003–2006) at the Ministry of Environment of Mendoza.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Biodiversity conservation

Dr. Silvestri’s research and consultancy work focus on biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and genetic resources management. Her notable projects include:

Alternative Models to Bilateral Arrangements for ABS Challenges (University of Oldenburg, Germany, 2022–2025).
Conservation and Sustainable Use of Genetic Diversity in Salta, Argentina (2021–2022).
Institutional Capacity Building on ABS Regulations in Argentina (2017–2019).
Development of a Legal Framework for Access and Benefit-Sharing in Misiones, Argentina (2021–2022).

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Silvestri’s work has significantly shaped environmental policy and regulatory frameworks in Latin America and beyond. She has been instrumental in designing and implementing access and benefit-sharing mechanisms under the Nagoya Protocol and has provided expert guidance to governments, academic institutions, and international organizations.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

With over 33 academic publications, Dr. Silvestri has contributed extensively to global research on biodiversity conservation and environmental law. Notable works include:

Genetic Resources Are, Above All, Information: Perspectives from Law, Biology, and Economics (2025) – International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law, and Economics.
Failed Legislation for the Protection of Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources = No Protection at All (2025) – Latin American and Caribbean Ethnic Studies.
Engaging with the Nagoya Protocol on ABS: Recommendations for Non-Commercial Biodiversity Researchers (2023) – Journal of Mammalogy.
Improved Access to Biological Control Genetic Resources: Navigating through the CBD and Nagoya Protocol (2023) – Biocontrol.

HONORS & AWARDS

MSCA4Ukraine Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023).
Stipend of the President of Argentina for Young Scientists (2020).
FEBS Excellence Award (2019).
UNESCO Fellowship for Biodiversity Research (2017).
International Environmental Law Leadership Award.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Luciana C. Silvestri’s legacy lies in her groundbreaking work on biodiversity conservation and ABS regulations. As she continues to work on high-impact research and consultancy projects, her influence on international environmental policy is set to grow, ensuring sustainable and equitable access to genetic resources for future generations.

FINAL NOTE

Dr. Silvestri continues to be an influential force in the field of environmental law, actively shaping policies, mentoring young scholars, and participating in high-level diplomatic negotiations on genetic resources. Her research bridges law, science, and economics, making her a thought leader in international environmental governance.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Genetic resources are, above all, information: perspectives from law, biology and economics

Authors: Luciana C. Silvestri, Marisa Roig-Cerdeño
Journal: International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics
Year: 2025

Improved access to biological control genetic resources: navigating through the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol

Authors: Luciana C. Silvestri, Peter G. Mason
Journal: BioControl
Year: 2023

The Case for Community Self-Governance on Access and Benefit Sharing of Digital Sequence Information

Authors: Rebecca A. Adler Miserendino, Rachel Sarah Meyer, Breda M. Zimkus, John Bates, Luciana Silvestri, Crispin Taylor, Tami Blumenfield, Megha Srigyan, Jyotsna L. Pandey
Journal: BioScience
Year: 2022

Implementation of access and benefit-sharing measures has consequences for classical biological control of weeds

Authors: Luciana Silvestri, A. Sosa, F. McKay, M.D. Vitorino, M. Hill, C. Zachariades, S. Hight, P. Weyl, D. Smith, D. Djeddour, et al.
Journal: BioControl
Year: 2020

Nagoya protocol: Challenges arising from a complex, ambiguous and controversial text (Protocolo de Nagoya: desafíos originados a partir de un texto complejo, ambiguo y controversial)

Author: Luciana C. Silvestri
Journal: Anuario Mexicano de Derecho Internacional
Year: 2017

Dr. Svitlana Plokhovska | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

University San Pablo CEU | Spain

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid ID

SVITLANA ARSLAN (NÉE PLOKHOVSKA): ACADEMIC PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Svitlana Arslan, born on October 28, 1989, in Ukraine, embarked on her academic journey at Dragomanov Ukrainian State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2011 with Cum Laude honors. She then pursued her Master’s degree at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, graduating with Cum Laude honors in 2012. These early academic accomplishments laid the foundation for her future research endeavors.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently based at the University San Pablo CEU in Madrid, Spain, Svitlana’s work focuses on plant science, particularly the use of nanoparticles for plant growth promotion and stress adaptation. Her career has been marked by significant international recognition, including several prestigious fellowships and awards.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Svitlana‘s research is at the intersection of plant biology, nanotechnology, and environmental science. She explores the role of silver nanoparticles in plant growth, their ability to promote stress adaptation, and their potential pharmaceutical applications. Notably, her research on the impact of microgravity on Arabidopsis thaliana and the use of Pseudomonas shirazensis NVF3 in silver nanoparticles showcases her innovative approach to modern agricultural challenges.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Her contributions extend beyond academia, with research that has implications for both the pharmaceutical and agrifood industries. Svitlana’s work in plant development under stress conditions, particularly her studies on the interaction between melatonin and nitric oxide in plant stress response, has had a profound impact on sustainable agriculture and crop development strategies.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Svitlana is an established author with numerous publications in high-impact journals such as Sci Rep, npj Microgravity, and Chemosensors. Her h-index is notable, with 6 citations in Web of Science and 7 in Scopus. Some key publications include:

Silver nanoparticles coated with metabolites of Pseudomonas sp. N5.12 inhibit bacterial pathogens (2025)
Autophagy formation, microtubule disorientation, and alteration of ATG8 and tubulin gene expression under simulated microgravity in Arabidopsis thaliana (2024)
Crosstalk between melatonin and nitric oxide in plant development and UV-B stress response (2023)

HONORS & AWARDS

2023: European Commission MSCA4Ukraine Postdoctoral Fellowship
2020: Stipend of the President of Ukraine for young scientists
2019: FEBS Excellence Awards and Fellowships Committee Travel Grant
2018: Prize of the President of Ukraine for young scientist These awards highlight her contributions to science and her promise as a young researcher.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

With a strong foundation of groundbreaking research and academic excellence, Svitlana’s legacy will be defined by her contributions to sustainable agricultural practices and the intersection of nanotechnology and plant science. Her future endeavors promise to bring new insights into the use of nanoparticles in agriculture, biomedicine, and environmental science, paving the way for further advancements in these critical fields.

FINAL NOTE

Svitlana Arslan’s career is a testament to the impact of innovative research in plant science and nanotechnology. Her dedication to addressing environmental and agricultural challenges through her research will continue to influence the fields of plant development and nanotechnology for years to come.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Autophagy formation, microtubule disorientation, and alteration of ATG8 and tubulin gene expression under simulated microgravity in Arabidopsis thaliana

Authors: Yemets, A., Shadrina, R., Blume, R., Plokhovska, S., Blume, Y.
Journal: npj Microgravity
Year: 2024

Elucidation of cellular mechanisms of autophagy involvement in plant adaptation to microgravity conditions

Authors: Yemets, A.I., Plokhovska, S.H., Shadrina, R.Yu., Kravets, O.A., Blume, Ya.B.
Journal: Space Science and Technology
Year: 2023

Quantum Dot-Antibody Conjugates for Immunofluorescence Studies of Biomolecules and Subcellular Structures

Authors: Yemets, A., Plokhovska, S., Pushkarova, N., Blume, Y.
Journal: Journal of Fluorescence
Year: 2022

Plasmonic colloidal Au nanoparticles in DMSO: a facile synthesis and characterisation

Authors: Dzhagan, V., Kapush, O., Plokhovska, S., Yemets, A., Zahn, D.R.T.
Journal: RSC Advances
Year: 2022

**The Role of Nitric Oxide in the Arabidopsis thaliana Response to Simulated Microgravity and the Involvement of Autophagy in This Process**

Authors: Plokhovska, S.H., Shadrina, R.Y., Kravets, O.A., Yemets, A.I., Blume, Y.B.
Journal: Cytology and Genetics
Year: 2022

Spectroscopic Study of Phytosynthesized Ag Nanoparticles and Their Activity as SERS Substrate

Authors: Dzhagan, V., Smirnov, O., Kovalenko, M., Yukhymchuk, V., Zahn, D.R.T.
Journal: Chemosensors
Year: 2022