Best Scholar Award
Antonina Badalucco
University of Palermo, Italy
Antonina Badalucco is a PhD researcher in Earth and Marine Sciences at the University of Palermo, Italy, specializing in marine biodiversity, amphipod taxonomy, marine bioinvasions, biodiversity monitoring, molecular taxonomy, ecological data management, and Mediterranean marine ecosystems. Her research combines classical taxonomy with molecular approaches, biodiversity informatics, and FAIR data principles to improve the understanding of marine biodiversity and biological invasions in the Mediterranean Sea. Her scholarly output includes peer-reviewed publications, biodiversity datasets, conference contributions, and collaborative international research initiatives.[1]
Abstract
Antonina Badalucco has developed a research profile centered on marine biodiversity assessment, amphipod systematics, taxonomy, invasive marine species, biodiversity databases, and molecular ecology. Her scientific work integrates field surveys, morphological identification, DNA barcoding, bioinformatics, and biodiversity informatics to document species diversity across Mediterranean marine ecosystems. Through extensive collaborations with Italian and international researchers, she has contributed to taxonomic inventories, biodiversity monitoring frameworks, and publicly accessible occurrence datasets that support marine conservation and ecological research.[2]
Keywords
Marine Biodiversity, Amphipoda, Mediterranean Sea, Biodiversity Informatics, Marine Ecology, Taxonomy, Molecular Ecology, DNA Barcoding, Biological Invasions, FAIR Data, Marine Monitoring, Species Inventories.
Introduction
The Mediterranean Sea represents one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and is simultaneously exposed to increasing pressures from climate change, maritime transport, and biological invasions. Antonina Badalucco’s research addresses these challenges by investigating amphipod diversity, invasive species pathways, biodiversity inventories, and ecological monitoring. Her work supports evidence-based conservation strategies while improving taxonomic knowledge and digital biodiversity resources through standardized scientific methodologies.[3]
Research Profile
Her academic training includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Master’s degree in Ecology and Ethology for Nature Conservation, and doctoral research in Earth and Marine Sciences. She has completed research training at the University of Łódź and ISMAR-CNR, contributing to DNA barcoding, molecular laboratory techniques, blue crab monitoring, taxonomic identification, and biodiversity informatics. Her expertise encompasses marine sampling, fouling community analysis, molecular taxonomy, environmental monitoring, GIS, R statistical analysis, and biodiversity database development.[2]
Research Contributions
- Development of updated amphipod biodiversity inventories for Italian and European marine waters.
- Documentation of first regional occurrences of several marine copepod and mite species.
- Contribution to biodiversity datasets published through GBIF following FAIR data principles.
- Research on marine non-indigenous species and biological invasion pathways in Mediterranean harbours.
- Application of DNA barcoding and molecular taxonomy for biodiversity assessment.
- Participation in multidisciplinary biodiversity monitoring projects including NBFC and MEDAMP.
Publications
Her publication record includes peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Diversity, Crustaceana, Ecologica Montenegrina, Biodiversity Data Journal, and The European Zoological Journal. Selected DOI publications include:
Research Impact
Antonina Badalucco has contributed to biodiversity documentation through scientific publications, biodiversity databases, conference presentations, and collaborative international research initiatives. Her work supports biodiversity monitoring, invasive species surveillance, open scientific data, and marine conservation planning. According to the supplied Scopus metrics, her profile includes seven indexed documents, sixteen citations, and an h-index of three, reflecting an emerging early-career research trajectory.[4]
Award Suitability
Antonina Badalucco demonstrates sustained engagement in marine biodiversity research, international collaborations, taxonomy, biodiversity informatics, open-data initiatives, and scientific dissemination. Her publication record, dataset development, conference participation, and interdisciplinary contributions indicate meaningful scientific activity within biodiversity sciences. These accomplishments align with many evaluation criteria commonly considered for early-career scientific recognition programs, including the Applied Scientist Awards, while the final determination depends on the independent assessment procedures established by the award organizers.[5]
Conclusion
Antonina Badalucco has established a research profile focused on marine biodiversity, taxonomy, biodiversity data management, and Mediterranean marine ecology. Through peer-reviewed publications, biodiversity datasets, international collaborations, and public engagement activities, she contributes to improved understanding of marine ecosystems and biodiversity conservation. Her interdisciplinary expertise combines traditional taxonomy with molecular and digital approaches that support long-term biodiversity assessment and ecological monitoring.
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus Author Details: Antonina Badalucco, Author ID 58203959200.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=58203959200
- Badalucco A., et al. (2026). Minor harbours as dispersal hubs in the Mediterranean Sea: The case of non–indigenous species in an Italian port.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235248552600424X
- Badalucco A., et al. (2026). Amphipod species in European and nearby seas. Biodiversity Data Journal.
https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e186195
- Badalucco A., et al. (2026). Symbiotic copepods from the ascidians. The European Zoological Journal.
https://doi.org/10.1080/24750263.2026.2658893
- Badalucco A., et al. (2026). Symbiotic copepods from the ascidians, a hidden diversity of the Mediterranean Sea: Haplostomides magnus n. sp. (Cyclopoida: Botryllophilidae).
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/24750263.2026.2658893