Leonel Pereira - Scientist

Leonel Pereira is a biologist and Professor at the University of Coimbra, with a PhD in Cellular Biology and a specialisation in Biotechnology. He is a researcher at the Centre for Functional Ecology – Science for People & the Planet (CFE) and coordinator of the ACOI – Algoteca at the University of Coimbra.

His work focuses on Marine Biodiversity, Marine Biotechnology, and Marine Ecology, with a particular passion for seaweeds as a sustainable resource for the future. Leonel has authored or edited over 30 books, 200 scientific articles, and 80 book chapters, and has delivered more than a hundred talks at national and international events.

He also coordinates the Master’s in Plant Biodiversity and Biotechnology and leads several research projects at national and international level. His work has been recognised with awards including the Rei D. Carlos Sea Award, the Francisco de Holanda Prize (Honourable Mention), and the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Award 2016 for Edible Seaweeds of the World. In 2022, he was ranked #12 in Marine Sciences among the Highly Ranked Scholars™.