PHD at the Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
Marta Llorca, born on February 16, 1984, is a Tenured Researcher at the Instituto de Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estudios del Agua (IDAEA-CSIC) in Spain. With a PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the Universitat de Barcelona, she has pioneered research on perfluoroalkyl substances and their environmental impact, earning recognition for her innovative work. Her expertise lies in environmental chemistry, chromatographic analysis, and high-resolution mass spectrometry, focusing on emerging contaminants and (xeno)metabolomics. Marta’s contributions include developing new methodologies for analyzing contaminants in food and the environment, solidifying her reputation in the field.
Professional Profiles
Strengths for the Award
Extensive Research Experience: Marta Llorca has a robust academic and research background, highlighted by her PhD in Environmental Chemistry with cum laude honors. Her work, especially on perfluoroalkyl substances and emerging contaminants, positions her as a leader in the field of environmental chemistry.
Pioneering Research: She was among the first at the international level to investigate perfluoroalkyl substances in the environment, focusing on their impact on humans through diet. This pioneering work has had a significant impact on environmental science and public health.
Strong Publication Record: Marta has contributed to high-impact journals, such as the Journal of Hazardous Materials and Water Research, with publications that are well-cited. Her work on micro(nano)plastics and contaminants in water has been particularly influential, further solidifying her reputation in the field.
Leadership and Recognition: She has progressed to a tenured researcher position at the prestigious Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) in Spain. Additionally, she has received recognition for her research career with the I3 certificate.
Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: Marta has collaborated with various researchers and institutions, contributing to interdisciplinary projects that combine chemistry, environmental science, and public health. This is evident in her work on microplastics and metabolomics.
Areas for Improvement
Further International Collaboration: While Marta has an impressive record within Spain, expanding her collaborations internationally could further enhance her research impact and visibility on a global scale.
Grant Acquisition and Project Leadership: Although her publication record is strong, further emphasis on leading large-scale research projects or securing significant research grants could bolster her profile as a research leader.
Broader Impact of Research: While her research on environmental contaminants is highly specialized, expanding her work to include broader environmental or health impacts, or translating her research into policy recommendations, could increase the societal impact of her work.
Education
PhD in Environmental Chemistry: Universitat de Barcelona, 2012 Licenciature in Chemistry: Universitat de Barcelona, 2007
Current Position
A.1. Position: Tenured Researcher Initial Date: 29/12/2023 Institution: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Department/Center: Química Ambiental, Instituto de Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estudios del Agua (IDAEA) Country: Spain Telephone Number: 0034 934 006 100 Key Words: Environmental Chemistry, Chromatographic Analysis, High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry, Emerging Contaminants, (Xeno)metabolomics
Publications
Kinetics and toxicity of nanoplastics in ex vivo exposed human whole blood as a model to understand their impact on human health, Publication date: 2024.
Occurrence and fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in an urban aquifer located at the Besòs River Delta (Spain), Publication date: 2024.
Bioaccumulation and dietary bioaccessibility of microplastics composition and cocontaminants in Mediterranean mussels, Publication date: 2024.
Human Oral Exposure to Nano-and Microplastics and Plastic Additives in Barcelona, Spain: a series of single-case studies, Publication date: 2024.
The challenge of assessing contaminants of emerging concern and microplastics, Publication date: 2023.
Conclusion
Marta Llorca is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her pioneering research in environmental chemistry, particularly on emerging contaminants and microplastics. Her extensive publication record in high-impact journals and her progression to a tenured research position at CSIC demonstrate her dedication and influence in the field. With slight enhancements in international collaboration, project leadership, and broader impact efforts, she would be an even more compelling candidate for the award.