Rate My Professor Ana Crespo

Ana María Crespo de las Casas is a distinguished biologist associated with Biology at the Universidad de La Laguna, where she developed her academic activities. Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on March 30, 1948, she studied Biological Sciences at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid starting in 1966, as this program was unavailable at the Universidad de La Laguna at the time. She earned her doctorate in Biological Sciences from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and was appointed Chair of Botany in the Faculty of Pharmacy there in 1983, attaining emerita status in 2018.

Her research centers on lichenology, where she pioneered the incorporation of molecular techniques into traditional studies, advancing knowledge of cryptic species, morphological homoplasy in fungi, and the evolutionary systematics of lichens and fungi. Crespo has authored over 200 scientific publications, more than 150 in high-impact international journals, and directed 13 doctoral theses from researchers worldwide. She has led international research groups, projects funded by public and private institutions, and field campaigns in locations including China, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Peru, Japan, California, and Australia. Her work has influenced biodiversity conservation, species protection management, molecular identification via DNA-barcoding, and integrative taxonomy. Prestigious honors include the Acharius Medal from the International Association for Lichenology in 2012, the first awarded to a Spanish scientist; the Charter 100 Prize in 2024; the Honor Medal from the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo in 1993; and the Doctor Honoris Causa degree from the Universidad de La Laguna in 2025. Since June 2024, she has served as the first woman president of the Real Academia de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, following roles as numerary academic since 2012, president of the Natural Sciences section from 2014 to 2020, and secretary general from 2020. Previous positions encompass president of the Spanish Commission for the Antarctic Program from 1988 to 1994, Director General of Universities from 1991 to 1993, and coordinator general of the National Evaluation Commission for Research Activity from 2005 to 2008. Three genera and seven lichen species have been named in her honor, reflecting her profound impact on botany and mycology.