Blanca Moncunill-Solé

I am a paleobiologist with a strong interest in the biology and evolutionary dynamics of extinct small mammals, particularly lagomorphs. Throughout my research career, I have pioneered statistical models to estimate body size in various small mammal groups and employed innovative techniques to uncover critical aspects of their life histories. My work has revealed significant eco-evolutionary trends and the adaptive responses of small mammals to insularity, offering valuable long-term baseline data for the management of extant species.

I earned my degree in Biology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (2006–2010) and my MSc in Biological Anthropology from the University of Barcelona (2010–2011). My PhD dissertation (2012–2016) focused on the paleobiology of insular small mammals from the Mediterranean Islands, examining their evolution toward gigantism and shifts in biological strategies. Between 2016 and 2018, I served as an associate professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

In 2018, I joined the Paleontology Research Group at Università degli Studi Roma Tre with a competitive postdoctoral fellowship, working under the mentorship of Prof. Angelone and Prof. Kotsakis. During this 30-month tenure, I honed my expertise in lagomorph studies, gaining new skills in taxonomy, paleobiogeography, and other key research fields. From 2021 to 2024, I was a postdoctoral researcher at Universidade da Coruña, where I developed my own research line focused on reconstructing the biology and evolutionary dynamics of past lagomorphs.

Currently, I lead the REvoBBIT project, funded by the European Commission, which seeks to deepen our understanding of past lagomorphs through the application of cutting-edge techniques. The project’s primary goal is to uncover the evolutionary responses of lagomorphs to past climate changes and to provide crucial insights to support the conservation of their extant counterparts. By doing so, REvoBBIT aims to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity preservation amid ongoing global environmental challenges.