Cristian Aldea Venegas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Sciences and Resources and the GAIA Antarctica Studies Center at the University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.
He holds a degree in Marine Biology (1997–2002) and a Diploma in Environmental Analysis and Management, specializing in Environmental Impact Assessment (2002), both from the University of Concepción, Chile. He earned his PhD in Organism and Ecosystem Biology at the University of Vigo, Spain (2005–2009).
His research focuses on the distribution patterns of Antarctic and sub Antarctic benthic fauna, exploring their relationships with abiotic processes and biogeographic connections. This work is grounded in taxonomy applied to diverse groups such as mollusks, crustaceans, and polychaetes and is conducted in collaboration with associated researchers. Additionally, he investigates sustainability in higher education institutions and is deeply involved in environmental education, particularly raising awareness about the biota of high-latitude marine environments.
Cristian has authored 49 scientific publications since 2002, of which 36 are indexed in Web of Science (WOS). He is also the author and editor of six books on Antarctic and sub Antarctic benthic biota and has contributed to six book chapters. Since 2001, he has delivered over 100 presentations at conferences, meetings, and scientific symposia. His research portfolio includes participation in more than 22 projects.
His academic contributions extend to teaching, thesis supervision, evaluation committees, and other activities, with involvement in over 40 academic initiatives. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he plays a significant role in university governance, currently serving as a member of the Honorable Board of Directors of the University of Magallanes since 2023.
Cristian is also active in outreach and broader scientific engagement. He has participated in over 60 initiatives, including organizing conferences, managing outreach projects, conducting scientific campaigns, and reviewing projects and publications. He is a member of various professional organizations and maintains a strong presence in the scientific community.
You can find his professional profiles on ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and ORCID (No. 0000-0002-4473-6509).
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