Prof Dr. Ricardo Amils is a renowned microbiologist and emeritus professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. He has dedicated over five decades to research in geomicrobiology, microbial ecology, and extreme environments, gaining international recognition for his work on Río Tinto, an astrobiologically significant environment. His leadership in astrobiology and interdisciplinary research has made him a key figure in exploring the microbiology of extreme environments.
Profile 👤
Orcid
Strengths for the Award 🏆
Amils has a solid academic foundation, having earned his degrees in Chemistry and a PhD in Science. His educational background from prestigious institutions adds credibility to his profile.
With over 385 publications in peer-reviewed journals and a total citation count exceeding 9,000 in Scopus, his contributions to scientific literature are substantial.
His high h-index (49 in Scopus, 58 in ResearchGate) reflects his influence in the field, indicating that many of his works are frequently cited by other researchers.
He has a rich history of research in geomicrobiology, microbial ecology, and extreme environments. His work on Río Tinto and its astrobiological significance demonstrates innovative applications of microbial studies to broader scientific questions, including potential life on Mars.
As an Emeritus Professor, he has supervised 12 PhD theses in the last decade, fostering the next generation of scientists. His involvement in various research projects further showcases his leadership capabilities.
He has received notable awards, including a NASA Group Achievement Award for his collaboration in Mars research, underscoring his contributions to space exploration and astrobiology.
His participation in significant projects like the Mars Express Mission and various European Space Agency committees highlights his international recognition and collaboration in high-profile scientific endeavors.
Education 🎓
Degree in Chemistry from Universidad de Barcelona (1969)
PhD in Science from Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (1973)
His academic foundation in chemistry and microbiology laid the groundwork for his career, which took him to esteemed institutions like Dartmouth Medical School and Columbia University for postdoctoral research in biochemistry.
Experience 🧬
Ricardo’s career includes significant contributions as a research associate in the USA, a permanent scientist at CSIC, and a professor of microbiology at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. He has served as the director of the Molecular Biology Department and co-founded the Astrobiology Center (INTA-CSIC), where he led groundbreaking projects on astrobiology, exploring Earth’s extreme environments as analogs for Mars.
Research Interests 🔬
Ricardo’s research focuses on geomicrobiology, extreme environments, and molecular ecology. He has explored microbial life in extreme acidic conditions, particularly in the Río Tinto basin, and studied its potential as an analog for Martian environments. His work advances our understanding of life in extreme conditions, contributing significantly to the fields of astrobiology and microbial ecology.
Awards 🏆
- NASA Group Achievement Award (2006) for his work on the Mars Analog Research and Technology Experiment.
- Torre de Nerva Award (2007) for his contributions to understanding the geomicrobiology of the Tinto basin. These prestigious awards highlight Ricardo’s outstanding contributions to space research and Earth’s extreme environments.
Publications 📚
Halotolerant Endophytic Bacteria Priestia flexa 7BS3110 with Hg2+ Tolerance Isolated from Avicennia germinans in a Caribbean Mangrove from Colombia
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- Authors: Zamira E. Soto-Varela, Christian J. Orozco-Sánchez, Hernando José Bolívar-Anillo, José M. Martínez, Nuria Rodríguez, Natalia Consuegra-Padilla, Alfredo Robledo-Meza, Ricardo Amils
- Year: 2024
- DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12091857
Draft genome sequence of the deep-subsurface Ciceribacter sp. strain T2.26MG-112.2, a second Rhizobiaceae isolated from the Iberian Pyrite Belt at 492.6 mbs
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- Authors: José M. Martínez, R. García, T. Leandro, R. Amils, Julia A. Maresca
- Year: 2024
- DOI: 10.1128/mra.00502-23
Association of Acidotolerant Cyanobacteria to Microbial Mats below pH 1 in Acidic Mineral Precipitates in Río Tinto River in Spain
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- Authors: Felipe Gómez, Nuria Rodriguez, José Antonio Rodríguez-Manfredi, Cristina Escudero, Ignacio Carrasco-Ropero, Jose M. Martinez, Marco Ferrari, Simone De Angelis, Alessandro Frigeri, Maite Fernández-Sampedro, et al.
- Year: 2024
- DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040829
Geochemical and Limnological Characterization of the Corta Atalaya Pit Lake (Riotinto Mines, Spain)
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- Authors: Esther Santofimia, Blanca Rincón-Tomás, Enrique López-Pamo, Francisco Javier González, Ricardo Amils
- Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.3390/materproc2023015066
Harnessing Symbiotic Mixotrophic Microalgal–Bacterial Biofilms for N and P Elimination
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- Authors: Mahshid Sedghi, John Fagan, Soheil Sedghi, Frithjof C. Küpper, Ricardo Amils
- Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.3390/phycology3040031
Biodegradation of Choline NTF2 by Pantoea agglomerans in Different Osmolarity. Characterization and Environmental Implications of the Produced Exopolysaccharide
Dark Fermentation in the Dark Biosphere: The Case of Citrobacter sp. T1.2D-12
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- Authors: Violeta Gallego-Rodríguez, Adrián Martínez-Bonilla, Nuria Rodríguez, Ricardo Amils
- Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.3390/fermentation9100887
Vitamin B12 Auxotrophy in Isolates from the Deep Subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt
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- Authors: Guillermo Mateos, Adrián Martínez-Bonilla, José M. Martínez, Ricardo Amils
- Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.3390/genes14071339
Rio Tinto as a niche for acidophilus enzymes of industrial relevance
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- Authors: Abdelali Daddaoua, Consolación Álvarez, Monika Oggerin, Nuria Rodriguez, Estrella Duque, Ricardo Amils, Jean Armengaud, Ana Segura, Juan Luis Ramos
- Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14192
Conclusion 🔍
Ricardo Amils is a highly qualified candidate for the “Best Researcher Award“. His extensive research background, significant contributions to scientific literature, and leadership in academia reflect a profound commitment to advancing knowledge in microbiology and astrobiology. While there are areas for potential improvement, particularly in interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement, his track record of impactful research and mentorship positions him as a leading figure in his field. Thus, he is well-deserving of the recognition that the award represents.