Adriana Vella

Prof Adriana Vella, PhD (Cambridge, UK), is a full-time academic member of the Department of Biology, University of Malta since 1995. She founded and leads the Conservation Biology Research Group within this department and has extensive experience in cetacean, turtle, fisheries, alien species research among the various biodiversity projects she has led.  Different tools that involve both molecular genetics and diverse field techniques have been developed through the years to allow more complete knowledge of local to regional biodiversity for accurate awareness and effective conservation management. Her research team has therefore managed to contribute to many discoveries of new species in the Mediterranean Sea, while also contributing to scientific knowledge and awareness of the urgent needs of vulnerable species. Such conservation work is undertaken with different stakeholder collaboration and appreciation.  Adriana is involved in various scientific networks and projects across Europe and Mediterranean, including Sea-Unicorn, G-BIKE, ERGA, and contributed to the European Biodiversity Research Strategies platform (EPBRS), MedJellyRisk, QuietMED I & II projects. Regularly summarize work experience and continuously improve working methods.

Within the Italia- Malta Interreg project Sea Marvel – Save, Enhance, Admire Marine Versatile Life, she is the project coordinator, manager, and lead scientific researcher for the University of Malta, PP2, team.